crossword clue undermine – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "undermine" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "crossword clue undermine" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or destroy (a person's strength, power, or resolve).
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy something, often subtly over time.
6 Letters
WEAKEN: To make someone or something less strong, effective, or powerful.
7 Letters
SUBVERT: To undermine the power and authority of an established system or institution; often by indirect or secretive means.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: To make someone or something weak and infirm, often implying a gradual process of decline.
More About "crossword clue undermine"
"Undermine" is a fascinating word in crosswords due to its dual nature. Literally, it refers to digging beneath something, perhaps to destabilize it, as in military siege tactics. However, its more frequent appearance in puzzles is in its figurative sense: to weaken, erode, or subvert something gradually and often surreptitiously. This could apply to a person's confidence, an organization's authority, or the foundation of a belief system.
When solving for "undermine," consider the context provided by the rest of the puzzle. Does the clue lean towards a physical action or a more abstract concept? The solutions offered, such as "SAP" for a short, insidious weakening, to "DEBILITATE" for a more prolonged and significant weakening, showcase the range of answers. Always keep an eye out for how the constructor is playing on the word's different shades of meaning.
Mastering words like "undermine" in crosswords comes down to building a strong vocabulary of synonyms and understanding the subtle differences between them. It's not just about knowing what a word means, but how it's used in various contexts, which is key to unlocking trickier clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Figuratively and Literally: For words like "undermine," always consider both their concrete and abstract meanings. Many crossword clues play on these dual interpretations.
- Match Letter Counts Precisely: Use the exact number of letters provided in the clue to narrow down possibilities. If an answer seems correct but doesn't fit the length, it's likely not the one.
- Examine Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the answers to intersecting clues will reveal a letter or two, providing critical hints for a challenging word like "undermine" and confirming a specific synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'undermine' typically imply in crossword puzzles?
In crosswords, 'undermine' most often refers to weakening, eroding, or subverting something, rather than literal digging. It can apply to confidence, authority, structures, or plans. Look for clues that suggest a gradual or insidious weakening.
Are there common short answers for 'undermine'?
Yes, short answers like SAP (3 letters) or ERODE (5 letters) are frequently used for 'undermine' or similar concepts in crosswords. These words efficiently convey the idea of gradual weakening.
How can I distinguish 'undermine' from similar clues like 'destroy'?
'Undermine' implies a more subtle, gradual, or indirect weakening process, whereas 'destroy' suggests a more immediate and complete annihilation. When encountering 'undermine', consider answers that hint at a slow erosion of strength, confidence, or authority, rather than sudden destruction.