Final answer:
The word 'recoiled' suits the sentence as it means to spring back in fear, horror, or disgust, fitting the context of Liz's reaction to harsh words. The correct answer is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct word to complete the sentence "Liz ____________ from the harsh words as though she had been struck." is recoiled. Recoil means to suddenly spring or flinch back in fear, horror, or disgust.
Here are the meanings of the other options provided: Obviate means to remove (a need or difficulty), Aggrandize means to increase the power, status, or wealth of, and Flaunt means to display (something) ostentatiously, especially in order to provoke envy or admiration or to show defiance.
In the context of the sentence, 'recoiled' is the only word that indicates Liz's instinctive reaction to harsh words as if physically hit, which aligns with the common reaction described in the excerpts provided. Hence the correct option is b.