wards off crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues! On this page, you'll find all possible solutions for the clue "wards off crossword", organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your puzzling skills.
Solutions for "wards off crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AVERT: To prevent the occurrence of something undesirable; turn away or aside.
REPEL: To drive or force (an attack, especially a military one) back or away.
6 Letters
DISPEL: To make (a doubt, feeling, or belief) disappear.
7 Letters
PARRIES: To ward off (a weapon or blow) with a countermove, typically in fencing or combat.
8 Letters
DEFLECTS: To cause (something) to change direction by interposing something; turn aside.
More About "wards off crossword"
The clue "wards off" is a common one in crosswords, directly implying an action of prevention or defense. It suggests pushing something away, keeping it at a distance, or preventing it from occurring. The nuance can vary slightly depending on the context of the puzzle – it might refer to warding off an illness, an attack, a bad feeling, or even a person.
When you encounter this clue, think about verbs that convey an active push-back or avoidance. Common synonyms that frequently appear as answers include those that mean to avert, repel, deter, or even to parry, which has a more specific combat-related connotation but fits the broader idea of warding off.
Understanding the precise meaning and its various synonyms is key to quickly identifying the correct solution, especially when you have only a few letters filled in from intersecting words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Tense and Plurality: Always check if the clue is singular or plural, and what tense it's in. "Wards off" implies a singular, present tense subject (e.g., "he wards off"), meaning the answer should also be a singular, present tense verb (e.g., AVERT, REPEL).
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: While we've provided single-word answers, sometimes "wards off" might cue a part of a phrasal verb, such as "FENDS." Always be open to these possibilities if single-word solutions don't fit.
- Think of Contextual Synonyms: If the puzzle has a specific theme (e.g., medical, combat, emotional), consider synonyms for "wards off" that fit that context. For example, "IMMUNIZES" could indirectly relate to warding off disease, though it's less direct than "AVERT."
- Use Cross-References: Leverage the letters you've already filled in from other clues. Even one letter can significantly narrow down the possibilities for a clue like "wards off," turning a broad search into a specific one.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'wards off' mean in a crossword context?
'Wards off' typically means to prevent, repel, or deflect something. In crosswords, it often cues answers related to defense, avoidance, or turning away danger or an unwelcome event. Common synonyms include avert, repel, fend off, or deter.
How can I find answers to action-oriented clues like 'wards off'?
For action-oriented clues, think of verbs that describe the action. Consider synonyms, phrasal verbs, or words that imply a defensive or preventative action. Also, pay attention to the tense and plurality of the clue – if it's 'wards off' (present tense, singular), the answer should match.
Are there common tricky synonyms for 'wards off' in crosswords?
Yes, common tricky synonyms include 'parries' (especially in combat or fencing contexts), 'fends' (as in 'fends off'), 'averts' (turning away something bad), or even 'repulses'. The key is to think broadly about actions that prevent or push away something undesirable. Context from other solved letters is always crucial.