Answer:
The connotation of the word "towering" is intimidating.
Step-by-step explanation:
As we know, words have denotation and connotation. Denotation refers to a word's literal, original meaning. Connotation, on the other hand, refers to a secondary meaning, a meaning that comes up according to the context.
The adjective "towering" originally means "very tall". In the context of the passage we are studying here, the meaning goes beyond that. The roller coaster is indeed very tall. But that is not all Cecelia sees while looking at it. She is intimidated by the roller coaster. She is afraid and does not wish to ride it. That is the connotation of "towering" in this context. The roller coaster's dimensions are scary, intimidating.