fend off crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue 'fend off crossword clue' and looking for the perfect solution, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and confidently.
Solutions for "fend off crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WARD: To guard or protect, often used in conjunction with 'off' to mean averting something. For example, 'ward off evil'.
5 Letters
PARRY: To ward off (a weapon or attack) with a countermove, especially in fencing or with words. Implies a skillful deflection.
REPEL: To drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away. Can also mean to be disgusting or distasteful, but in this context, it's about pushing back.
6 Letters
RESIST: To withstand the action or effect of; to try to prevent by action or argument. Often implies a struggle against an opposing force or idea.
More About "fend off crossword clue"
"Fend off" is a versatile phrase in crosswords, often hinting at actions of defense, prevention, or avoidance. It can refer to physical threats, unwanted questions, or even emotions. Clue setters might use it literally, referring to a physical confrontation, or metaphorically, such as "fend off sleep" or "fend off accusations." Understanding the context of the puzzle's theme or other clues can often help narrow down the possibilities.
The answers commonly associated with "fend off" are verbs that imply pushing away, deflecting, or standing firm against something. While words like PARRY and REPEL are direct synonyms for the action, others like RESIST suggest a more enduring opposition. Always consider the exact nuance the clue might be aiming for, especially when dealing with synonyms that have subtle differences in meaning.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: Think broadly about words related to defense, avoidance, repulsion, or even evasion. Sometimes a less obvious synonym might be the key.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "fend off" leads to multiple possibilities, use the required length to eliminate incorrect answers quickly.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved intersecting clues to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the fastest way to confirm a tricky word.
- Identify Word Type: "Fend off" is a verb phrase. Most answers will be verbs, but occasionally a noun describing a defensive action could be clued indirectly.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'fend off' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'fend off' typically refers to actions like repelling, warding off, or defending against something. The answers often relate to defense, avoidance, or pushing something away, whether physical or metaphorical.
Are there common short answers for 'fend off'?
Yes, common short answers for 'fend off' often include words like PARRY (5 letters), REPEL (5 letters), and WARD (4 letters). These are frequently used in puzzles due to their direct meaning.
How can I find more answers for similar clues about defense or avoidance?
To find more answers, think of synonyms for 'defend,' 'repel,' 'avert,' 'resist,' or 'avoid.' Also, consider the number of letters required for the answer and any intersecting letters you might already have. Sometimes, clues might imply a specific type of defense, such as a verbal or physical one.