Final answer:
In the context of the provided sentence, the meaning of 'repent' is to feel and express regret for one's actions. Hence, the answer to the student's question is 'D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence 'The harm that resulted from his actions prompted him to repent' suggests that the individual in question realized the negative consequences of their actions and felt remorse. In this context, 'repent' means to feel sorry for wrongdoing and to express regret for one's actions.
The choices provided give different possible interpretations of how one might respond to realizing the harm they've caused, but the phrase specifically describes someone being led to repent. Therefore, the correct option is:
D. express regret
Turning oneself in might be something a person does as part of repentance, but repentance itself can occur without this action. Fleeing the scene is the opposite of facing up to one's actions, and denying wrongdoing is the exact inverse of expressing regret. Thus, these options are not in line with the meaning of 'repent.'
Repenting involves confronting the wrongdoings, feeling genuine remorse, and often expressing it either privately or publicly. This can also include making amends or trying to mitigate the harm caused—a process that could involve considerable reflection and a desire to change one's behavior going forward.