If ‘$\rightarrow$’ denotes increasing order of intensity, then the meaning of the words [walk $\rightarrow$ jog $\rightarrow$ sprint] is analogous to [bothered $\rightarrow$ ________ $\rightarrow$ daunted]. Which one of the given options is appropriate to fill the blank?

The relationship is an increasing degree of intensity:

• $\text{walk} \rightarrow \text{jog} \rightarrow \text{sprint}$ represents increasing levels of physical speed/movement.

• Similarly, $\text{bothered} \rightarrow \text{fazed} \rightarrow \text{daunted}$ represents increasing levels of mental disturbance or distress:

  • Bothered: mildly troubled or annoyed.

  • Fazed: perturbed, disconcerted, or intimidated to an intermediate degree.

  • Daunted: severely intimidated, discouraged, or overcome with fear.

*Distractors:*

• Phased: carried out in gradual stages.

• Phrased: expressed in particular words.

• Fused: joined or blended together by melting.

Thus, (C) fazed is the correct word.