discourage crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "discourage crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle. Dive in to find your solution!
Solutions for "discourage crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DETER: To prevent or stop someone from doing something through fear or doubt.
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, often discouraging action.
SPOIL: To diminish or destroy the value or quality of; can relate to discouraging enjoyment or effort.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
8 Letters
DISSUADE: To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.
10 Letters
DEMORALIZE: To cause (someone) to lose confidence or hope, often leading to a lack of effort.
More About "discourage crossword clue"
The word "discourage" is a versatile term that can manifest in various forms within crossword puzzles. Its core meaning revolves around making someone less enthusiastic or confident, or preventing an action. This often translates to synonyms like 'deter', 'hinder', 'dissuade', 'daunt', or even 'demoralize', depending on the specific nuance and letter count required by the puzzle.
When encountering "discourage" as a clue, solvers should consider the context. Is it about preventing someone from starting something? Or stopping them mid-action? Or simply reducing their morale? The precise phrasing of the clue, combined with the number of available letters, will guide you to the most accurate answer. Our list provides the most common and fitting solutions across different lengths to ensure you're covered for almost any variation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: For clues like "discourage," always think of direct synonyms (like 'deter' or 'hinder'). Sometimes, crosswords use antonyms of the opposite concept as a clue (e.g., 'encourage' might be clued as 'not discourage').
- Check Letter Count First: Before you even think of an answer, confirm the exact number of letters the solution requires. This immediately narrows down your options significantly, preventing you from trying to fit a 6-letter word into a 5-letter slot.
- Look at Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These crucial clues will help confirm potential answers or eliminate incorrect ones, especially when multiple synonyms fit the given letter count.
- Think About Nuances: Different synonyms for 'discourage' carry slightly different shades of meaning. 'Deter' implies prevention, 'demoralize' implies loss of spirit. If the clue provides subtle hints, try to match the most precise synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of words mean "discourage" in crosswords?
Crossword clues for "discourage" often point to verbs that imply preventing, deterring, or disheartening. Common categories include words related to stopping action (e.g., deter, hinder), creating apprehension (e.g., daunt), or causing a loss of morale (e.g., demoralize, dishearten).
How can I narrow down answers for a clue like "discourage"?
To narrow down answers, first check the number of letters required. Then, consider synonyms that fit that length. Pay attention to any nuances in the clue – sometimes clues specify a certain type of discouraging, like 'discourage from continuing' or 'discourage by fear'. Also, look at any intersecting letters you already have.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to discouraging actions?
Yes, common prefixes that imply negation or opposition can be relevant, such as 'dis-' (as in 'dissuade', 'dishearten'). While less common for direct 'discourage' answers, understanding root words and their modifications can help when the clue is phrased differently or includes a synonym.