purify crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the 'purify crossword clue', you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "purify crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WASH: To clean with water.
5 Letters
PURGE: To rid of unwanted qualities or elements.
RINSE: To wash something with clean water to remove soap or impurities.
6 Letters
REFINE: To remove impurities or unwanted elements from a substance.
FILTER: To pass a liquid or gas through a device to remove unwanted material.
7 Letters
CLEANSE: To make something thoroughly clean or free of impurities.
CLARIFY: To make (a liquid) clear or pure, typically by heating it and removing the impurities.
8 Letters
ABSTERGE: To cleanse or wipe away. (A more formal or archaic term)
9 Letters
STERILIZE: To make (something) free from bacteria or other living microorganisms.
13 Letters
DECONTAMINATE: To make something safe by removing dangerous or poisonous substances.
More About "purify crossword clue"
The concept of 'purify' is broad and can appear in many contexts within crosswords. At its core, purification involves removing undesirable elements to make something clean, pure, or refined. This can apply to physical substances like water or metals, spiritual or emotional states, or even data and information.
Understanding the context of the puzzle is key. Is it a science-themed puzzle, suggesting answers like FILTER or DECONTAMINATE? Or is it more abstract, hinting at CLEANSE or PURGE for non-physical impurities? Crossword setters love to play with these nuances, making 'purify' a versatile and sometimes tricky clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms: Beyond the literal meaning, think of words that convey similar actions. 'Cleanse', 'refine', 'filter', 'clarify', 'purge', 'sanitise' are all strong candidates.
- Check Letter Count: The length of the answer is your biggest hint. Always cross-reference the number of squares with potential solutions.
- Analyze Surrounding Clues: The surrounding words or themes in the puzzle can often provide a hidden context, guiding you towards the specific type of purification required (e.g., medical, environmental, spiritual).
- Think About Verb Forms: Is the clue asking for a verb (purify) or a noun (purification)? This can sometimes dictate the form of your answer.
- Use a Thesaurus: If you're stuck, a thesaurus can open up a world of related terms you might not have considered.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "purify" imply in a crossword puzzle?
In crosswords, 'purify' often implies actions like cleansing, refining, filtering, or removing impurities. Common answers relate to making something clean, clear, or free from contamination, whether physically, chemically, or even metaphorically (e.g., purging thoughts).
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for purification words in crosswords?
While there aren't specific common prefixes/suffixes exclusively for 'purify' answers, words related to purification might involve prefixes like 'de-' (as in decontaminate) or 're-' (as in refine) when implying a process of removal or improvement. Always consider the full word.
How can I distinguish between similar 'purify' answers like 'cleanse' and 'refine'?
The distinction lies in nuance. 'Cleanse' often refers to general cleaning or spiritual purification, while 'refine' specifically means improving a substance by removing impurities, often in an industrial context (e.g., refining oil or sugar). 'Filter' implies a physical separation process, and 'clarify' makes something clear, usually a liquid. Pay attention to the surrounding clues and the puzzle's theme.