Which of the following is a synonym for "hoard"?

The correct answer, "collect," is synonymous with "hoard" as both terms refer to the act of gathering or accumulating items, often in large quantities. When someone hoards, they tend to collect and store away items excessively, sometimes without using them, often driven by a desire to preserve or protect their possessions. This collection aspect aligns closely with the idea of gathering.

In contrast, the other choices describe actions that are fundamentally different from hoarding. "Disperse" implies spreading things out or scattering them, which is the opposite of accumulating. "Share" refers to the act of giving a portion of something to others, which is again contrary to the concept of hoarding, where one retains items for oneself. "Waste" denotes the act of using something carelessly or without purpose, which emphasizes a lack of value rather than the accumulation associated with hoarding. Thus, "collect" is the term that best captures the essence of hoarding.