forestall crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the "forestall crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "forestall crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AVERT: To turn away or aside; to prevent from happening.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
7 Letters
PREVENT: To stop (something) from happening or existing.
OBVIATE: To remove a difficulty or need; to avoid or prevent (something undesirable).
8 Letters
PRECLUDE: To prevent something from happening or make something impossible.
More About "forestall crossword clue"
"Forestall" is a verb that means to prevent or obstruct (something) by taking action ahead of time. In the context of crosswords, this clue often points to synonyms that convey the idea of pre-emption, hindrance, or avoidance. Understanding the nuances of these related terms is key to solving the puzzle.
Common crossword setters like to use words like 'forestall' because it has several strong synonyms of varying lengths, offering flexibility in puzzle construction. When you encounter this clue, think about both direct synonyms and words that imply the action of stopping something before it starts.
The term itself comes from Old English, meaning 'to take before,' underscoring the proactive nature of the word. Knowing this can sometimes help you think of related concepts even when direct synonyms aren't immediately obvious.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count: Always use the number of letters in the answer box as your primary filter. For "forestall," knowing whether you need a 5-letter or 7-letter word immediately narrows down options.
- Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters from already solved intersecting clues to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the fastest way to verify a solution.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: Crossword clues, especially verbs like "forestall," frequently rely on synonyms. If stuck, try thinking of antonyms first and then their opposites, or related concepts.
- Practice with Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words like PREVENT or PRECLUDE use the 'pre-' prefix, indicating 'before'. Recognizing such patterns can hint at the answer's meaning.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'forestall' typically mean in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'forestall' commonly refers to preventing or hindering an action or event before it can occur. Answers often include synonyms like PREVENT, AVERT, or HINDER.
How can I quickly find synonyms for 'forestall' when solving a crossword?
To quickly find synonyms for 'forestall,' consider words related to blocking, pre-empting, or stopping something in advance. Think about the required letter count and any intersecting letters you already have. Online crossword solvers are also excellent tools for quick lookups.
Are there any tricky or less common synonyms for 'forestall' used in crosswords?
Yes, less common synonyms for 'forestall' can include OBVIATE (to remove a difficulty or need), PRECLUDE (to make impossible), or even phrases like HEAD OFF or WARD OFF (though these are typically clued differently if they are multi-word answers). Always check the letter count carefully.