Select the correct option:
The reforms, while ostensibly motivated by economic exigencies, were in effect a veiled attempt to __ dissent under the guise of austerity.

Correct option is A

The correct option to fill in the blank is (a) quell.
Quell means to suppress, subdue, or put an end to something—especially unrest, protest, or rebellion. The phrase “attempt to quell dissent” is a common and contextually perfect collocation. (Hindi meaning: दबाना/कुचलना/शांत करना)
Example: The authorities tried to quell the protests with strict restrictions.
Explain why other options are incorrect:
· (b) swell: means to increase or grow (फूलना/बढ़ना) — opposite of the intended meaning.
· (c) rebut: means to refute with arguments (खंडन करना) — dissent is typically suppressed, not “rebutted” under austerity.
· (d) impugn: means to challenge or attack someone’s honesty/reputation (आरोप लगाना/संदेह करना) — does not fit with “dissent” as the object.