drive away crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Stuck on "drive away crossword clue"? You've come to the right place! We've compiled all the possible solutions, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "drive away crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SHOO: To make an animal or person go away by saying 'shoo' or by waving one's hands.
ROUT: To defeat and cause to retreat in disorder, often in a military context.
5 Letters
REPEL: To drive, push, or keep back something, especially an attack or an unwanted thought/feeling.
DETER: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear; to prevent.
6 Letters
DEPORT: To expel a foreigner from a country, typically on grounds of illegal status or for having committed a crime.
DISPEL: To make a doubt, feeling, or belief disappear.
BANISH: To send someone away from a country or place as an official punishment; to forbid someone from entering or staying in a place.
More About "drive away crossword clue"
"Drive away" is a versatile phrase that can manifest in many forms within a crossword puzzle. It can refer to physical expulsion, like shooing an annoying fly or deporting an individual. It can also describe the act of dispelling intangible things, such as doubts, fears, or sadness. Understanding the context provided by other words in the clue, or even the theme of the puzzle, is crucial for pinpointing the exact answer.
Crossword setters love using such flexible verbs because they allow for a wide range of synonyms with varying letter counts. This makes "drive away" a common and often challenging clue. Consider if the clue implies a forceful action, a gentle persuasion, or an abstract removal. These nuances often guide you to the correct synonym among the many possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always start by matching the number of letters in the answer grid with the potential solutions. This immediately narrows down the options.
- Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes, knowing if the word starts with 're-' (like REPEL) or ends with '-el' (like DISPEL) can give you a significant hint if you have a few letters already filled in.
- Consider the Tone: Does the clue suggest a forceful action (ROUT, EXPELL) or a more subtle removal (DISPEL, DETER)? The implied tone can often point you towards the right synonym.
- Context is Key: Analyze the words around the clue. If it's next to "insect," SHOO is likely. If it's next to "fear," DISPEL is a strong contender.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between "repel" and "expel" in crosswords?
While both mean to 'drive away' or 'force out', 'repel' generally refers to pushing back or resisting something (like an invasion or a feeling), whereas 'expel' specifically means to officially force someone to leave a place or organization, or to physically force something out (like air). In crosswords, the surrounding letters and context will usually clarify which one is intended.
How do I know which "drive away" synonym to choose for my puzzle?
The key is to use the number of letters provided in the grid, along with any already filled-in letters. Additionally, consider the nuance of the clue itself: does 'drive away' imply shooing an animal (SHOO), pushing back an attack (REPEL), preventing an action (DETER), or forcing a person to leave a country (DEPORT)? The context is crucial.
Are "shoo" and "rout" common crossword answers for "drive away"?
Yes, both 'SHOO' and 'ROUT' are very common in crosswords for 'drive away'. 'SHOO' is often used for casual instances of making someone or something leave, particularly animals. 'ROUT' is frequently used in the context of military defeat, where an enemy is 'driven away' in disorder.