prevent crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "prevent crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find all possible answers, organized by length, along with brief explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "prevent crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
BAR: To block or stop passage.
4 Letters
STOP: To cease movement or activity.
5 Letters
DETER: To discourage someone from doing something.
AVERT: To turn away or prevent (an undesirable occurrence).
BLOCK: To obstruct the passage or progress of.
6 Letters
HINDER: To create difficulties for (someone or something), resulting in delay or obstruction.
IMPEDE: To delay or obstruct (someone or something).
9 Letters
FORESTALL: To prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking advance action.
FRUSTRATE: To prevent (someone) from accomplishing something; to prevent (a plan or effort) from succeeding.
More About "prevent crossword clue"
The clue "prevent" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary around stopping, hindering, or averting an action or event. The versatility of "prevent" means it can have many synonyms, from short, common words like 'BAR' or 'STOP' to more complex ones such as 'FORESTALL' or 'OBVIATE'. Understanding the specific context of the crossword puzzle—for instance, if the clue is looking for a physical barrier versus a metaphorical one—can help narrow down the possibilities.
When "prevent" appears as a clue, solvers should consider the number of letters provided for the answer first. A three-letter answer is likely 'BAR', while a five-letter one might be 'DETER' or 'AVERT'. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might give a subtle hint, such as "prevent (a disaster)" which strongly suggests 'AVERT', or "prevent (progress)" which could point to 'HINDER' or 'IMPEDE'.
Mastering synonyms for "prevent" is a key step towards becoming a proficient crossword solver. Beyond simply knowing the definitions, understanding the subtle differences in connotation and usage can be the difference between a completed grid and a frustrating blank space. Our comprehensive list aims to cover the most common answers you'll encounter for this versatile clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Word Length: Always check the number of letters required. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on relevant answers like 'BAR' for 3 letters or 'HINDER' for 6.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: "Prevent" can be clued directly or indirectly. Think about words that mean the same, or even antonyms if the clue is phrased as "the opposite of prevent."
- Context is Key: Pay attention to other words in the clue. "Prevent disaster" strongly points to 'AVERT', while "prevent a barrier" might suggest 'BLOCK'. Surrounding completed letters can also provide crucial context.
- Think of Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes "prevent" might be part of a phrasal verb, e.g., "ward off" or "stave off". While not direct synonyms, these can be clued in ways that lead to similar answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find synonyms for 'prevent' in crosswords?
When encountering 'prevent' as a crossword clue, think about its various nuances: to stop, to hinder, to avert, to preclude, to forestall. Consider synonyms for each of these. For example, 'stop' can lead to 'BAR' or 'HALT'; 'hinder' to 'IMPEDE' or 'BLOCK'. Context clues from surrounding words are also vital.
What's the difference between 'prevent' and 'deter' in a crossword context?
'Prevent' implies making something impossible or stopping it entirely from happening. 'Deter,' on the other hand, means to discourage or inhibit someone from acting, but not necessarily making the action impossible. In crosswords, clues like 'put off' or 'discourage' often point to DETER, while 'stop' or 'block' might point to PREVENT synonyms.
Are there common short answers for 'prevent' clues?
Yes, common short answers for 'prevent' or related concepts often include BAR (3 letters, as in 'bar the door'), STOP (4 letters), and AVERT (5 letters, as in 'avert a crisis'). These short, direct synonyms are frequently used in puzzles when limited space is available.