Construct (second occurrence) most closely means:

• A. To build; to put pieces together to form a whole object
• B. To destroy
• C. To create or to form
• D. To join smaller pieces

Answer: (C)

Construct conveys bringing something into existence by putting parts together or shaping it, in both literal and figurative ways. The best match is to create or to form, because this broad sense covers making something new or giving it structure, whether you’re building a bridge or developing a plan or idea. Saying it means simply joining smaller pieces is too narrow, and the opposite meaning would be destroying. So the idea of creating or forming fits the word most closely.