JAMB - English Language (2001 - No. 28)
Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word(s).
Had I known about their plan much earlier I would have nipped it in the bud.
stopped it
initiated it
squashed it
promoted it
Explication
The phrase "nipped it in the bud" means stopping something before it develops further. The opposite of this would be allowing it to grow or supporting it rather than just starting it. "Promoted it" (D) means to support, encourage or help something develop.