discouragement crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "discouragement crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, often causing them to lose courage.
DETER: To discourage someone from doing something, usually by instilling doubt or fear.
6 Letters
THWART: To prevent someone from accomplishing something, thereby discouraging their efforts.
7 Letters
SETBACK: A reversal or check in progress, which can lead to feelings of discouragement.
8 Letters
DISPIRIT: To cause someone to lose enthusiasm or hope, often by overwhelming them with difficulties.
10 Letters
DEMORALIZE: To cause someone to lose confidence or hope, often in the face of obstacles.
More About "discouragement crossword clue"
The concept of "discouragement" is a fertile ground for crossword setters, as it encompasses a wide range of emotions and actions. Clues might focus on the feeling itself (e.g., dismay, despair), the act of causing it (e.g., deter, dishearten), or the result of it (e.g., setback, defeat). Understanding these nuances is key to cracking such clues.
Commonly, "discouragement" clues will look for verbs that indicate stopping or hindering progress, or nouns that describe obstacles or negative outcomes. Pay close attention to the tense and part of speech required by the clue. For instance, a clue like "Cause of discouragement" might lead to 'SETBACK', while "Discourage" could be 'DETER' or 'DAUNT'.
Crossword puzzles often play on synonyms and antonyms. Therefore, thinking of words opposite to encouragement, motivation, or hope can also lead you to the correct solution. This broad semantic field makes "discouragement" a versatile and sometimes tricky clue, but also one with many potential correct answers depending on the puzzle's specific demands.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For clues like 'discouragement', always brainstorm words with similar or opposite meanings. This broadens your word pool significantly.
- Check Letter Count First: Before diving deep, confirm the number of letters needed. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and focuses your search on answers like 'DAUNT' (5 letters) or 'DEMORALIZE' (10 letters).
- Use Crossing Letters: If you have partially solved other clues, use the intersecting letters as vital clues. This is the most reliable way to confirm an answer when multiple words fit a single clue.
- Understand Context: Pay attention to the overall theme or specific phrasing of the clue. Is it asking for a verb, a noun, an adjective? This context can drastically narrow down the options for 'discouragement'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best crossword answer for a clue like 'discouragement'?
Start by considering synonyms for 'discouragement' (e.g., dismay, frustration, setback, deter). Then, check the letter count you need for the puzzle. Often, the context of the puzzle or surrounding letters can help narrow down the options.
What if multiple words fit the 'discouragement' clue?
Crossword clues can sometimes have multiple valid answers. If you have several options that fit the letter count, use the crossing letters from other solved clues in the puzzle to determine the correct word. The surrounding context of the puzzle is key.
Is 'discouragement' a common type of crossword clue?
Yes, clues relating to emotions, psychological states, or actions that alter moods (like discouragement) are very common in crosswords. They often require a good vocabulary of synonyms and antonyms, as well as an understanding of nuanced meanings.