crossword clue destroyed – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your go-to resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "crossword clue destroyed" to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue destroyed" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RAZED: Completely demolished, especially a building, often leaving nothing but a flat surface.
6 Letters
RUINED: Made completely useless or non-functional; brought to a state of complete destruction or decay.
GUTTED: Completely destroyed the interior of something, often by fire, or deprived of essential contents or spirit.
7 Letters
WRECKED: Caused severe damage to; broken or ruined, often used for vehicles, buildings, or plans.
More About "crossword clue destroyed"
The word "destroyed" in crossword puzzles is a versatile clue that can lead to a wide array of synonyms, each carrying a slightly different nuance of ruination or obliteration. From the physical demolition implied by "RAZED" to the complete breakdown suggested by "RUINED," solvers must consider the context of the puzzle, the number of letters, and any intersecting words to pinpoint the correct answer.
Common scenarios that might involve "destroyed" include the aftermath of a disaster (like a fire or storm), the intentional demolition of a structure, or even the metaphorical destruction of a reputation or a plan. Crossword setters often play on these various meanings, making it crucial to think broadly about words that signify an end, a complete change for the worse, or an act of demolition.
Understanding the different degrees and contexts of "destroyed" is key. A building might be RAZED, hopes might be RUINED, a car might be WRECKED, and a fish might be GUTTED (though this last one has a very literal and specific meaning in context!). Always keep an open mind to the precise meaning the setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: For clues like "destroyed," think of all possible synonyms from severe damage to total annihilation. Brainstorm words like obliterated, annihilated, demolished, ruined, wrecked, razed, gutted, shattered, etc.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your most important guide. If you have "___ED" and it's 5 letters, "RAZED" might fit. If it's 6, "RUINED" or "GUTTED" could be possibilities.
- Look for Contextual Hints: Sometimes the clue isn't just "destroyed" but "destroyed by fire" or "destroyed a building." These additional words are critical for narrowing down the possible answers.
- Review Intersecting Clues: The letters from solved intersecting clues will often reveal crucial letters for the "destroyed" answer, confirming or eliminating possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'destroyed' imply in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'destroyed' can imply a range of actions from complete obliteration to severe damage, removal, or even the ruining of a reputation. The specific answer often depends on the letter count and other intersecting clues, guiding solvers towards synonyms like RUINED, RAZED, WRECKED, or even phrases like BROKE DOWN.
Are there common prefixes/suffixes for words meaning 'destroyed'?
While not always a fixed rule, words related to 'destroyed' often involve prefixes like 'de-' (as in DEMOLISHED, DEVASTATED) or 'ex-' (as in EXTERMINATED). Suffixes are less common as indicators, but the core root of the word usually denotes the act of destruction.
How to differentiate between 'destroyed' and 'damaged' in crossword clues?
The key difference lies in the degree of impact. 'Destroyed' typically implies a more severe, often irreversible state of ruination or non-existence (e.g., RAZED, ANNIHILATED). 'Damaged' suggests impairment or harm that might be repairable or less complete (e.g., HARMED, MARRED). Crossword setters use these nuances to lead you to the precise synonym required for the solution.