【正确答案】 C

【答案解析】[解析] 画线词的原形expire为动词，意为“死亡”。A项的原形fire意为“点燃，解雇，射击”；例：Damp wood will not fire. 潮湿的木头不会燃烧。B项的原形resign意为“辞职，放弃”；例：The rumor is said that the defence minister will soon resign. 据传闻，国防部长不久就要辞职。C项的原形die意为“去世，死亡”；例：He would rather die than live in dishonour. 他宁死不愿忍辱偷生。D项的原形retreat意为“撤退，隐退”；例：The defeated army had to retreat hastily from the field of battle. 败军不得不从战场上仓皇撤退。故本题选C。