Which of the following actions best describes "to steep"?

The action that best describes "to steep" is indeed the extraction or cleansing using a liquid, which is a common method used in cooking or preparing beverages. When something is steeped, it is typically immersed in a hot liquid for an extended period, allowing flavors, colors, or nutrients to infuse into the liquid. This process is frequently applied to items such as tea leaves or herbs, where the essence of the ingredient is drawn out through the liquid, resulting in a flavorful drink or broth.

Other options do not align with this definition. Resisting a heavy load pertains to physical strength or stability, complaining effectively relates to verbal expression, and delaying action implies a postponement. However, none of these actions encapsulate the essence of the process involved in steeping, which is specifically about immersion in a liquid to extract qualities from something. Hence, the selection of "to extract or cleanse using a liquid" accurately represents the meaning of "to steep."