9. Reagan uses the word gash in the first paragraph of this speech. In each sentence below, the underlined word shares the same denotation, or general literal meaning, as gash: “deep cut.” Which underlined word has connotations most clearly opposite to gash as Reagan uses it in his speech? Base your answer on context.

A. A laceration that deep should be treated with antibiotics.
B. To begin the operation, the surgeon made an incision in the patient.
C. With a gouge like that in the door, the car is worth much less.
D. The cat made a slash in the cushions that let the stuffing out.