Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
Since these people used tobacco to _____________ their deities, the herb itself was one of the instruments of godless, false religions.

Correct option is D

The correct word is (d) propitiate.
Explanation: The context suggests these people used tobacco to make offerings or please their gods, hence “propitiate” which means to appease or win favor.
Grammatical Rule: A verb is needed here to complete the clause with “to ___ their deities.” Propitiate is a transitive verb that fits grammatically and semantically.
Meanings of other options:
· (a) Trace – (पता लगाना) to find or discover by investigation.
· (b) Expatiate – (विस्तार से कहना) to elaborate or explain in detail.
· (c) Militate – (विरोध करना) to be a powerful or conclusive factor against.