How would you interpret the word “take” here? … MR. RAVENNER (the counsel): You say you were his secretary. Do you mean to say you helped prepare documents whose purpose was to arouse a Communist insurrection? (The witness did not answer.) MR. VELDE (another people present in the hearing): Mr. Shepherd (the witness), you may take the Fifth Amendment if you wish. How would you interpret the word “take” in the phrase “take the Fifth Amendment”? Thanks. And this excerpt is taken from The Lacuna by Kingsolver.