What does it mean to "divest"?

"Divest" means to take away possessions from someone or to strip away something, usually in the context of investments or ownership. In a financial context, it often refers to selling off assets or investments, thereby reducing one's ownership or interest in something. For example, a company might divest a portion of its business by selling it to another entity, which removes that part of its assets from its portfolio.

The other choices do not align with the definition of "divest." Gaining possessions suggests an acquisition, which is the opposite of divesting. Confusing someone does not relate to the transfer of ownership or possessions. Donating to charity implies giving away possessions for altruistic reasons, but it does not encompass the broader concept of divesting as understood in financial or ownership terms. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the core meaning of the word "divest."