put down crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "put down" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. This page offers a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations and organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately. Whether it's about criticism, suppression, or recording, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "put down crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HALT: To bring something to an abrupt stop or standstill.
CURB: To restrain or keep something in check.
5 Letters
QUASH: To reject or void, especially by legal procedure; to suppress decisively.
6 Letters
DEPOSE: To remove from office or a position of authority.
INSULT: To speak to or treat with disrespect or abuse.
REBUKE: To express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone.
SHELVE: To decide not to proceed with (a plan or proposal).
SUBDUE: To overcome, quieten, or bring under control (a feeling or person).
DEMEAN: To cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for someone.
STIFLE: To suppress or prevent something from happening or being expressed.
7 Letters
CENSURE: To express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially formally.
SQUELCH: To put an end to something with a crushing retort or decisive action.
OPPRESS: To keep (someone) in subservience and hardship by the unjust exercise of authority.
8 Letters
SUPPRESS: To forcibly put an end to; to prevent the development, action, or expression of.
POSTPONE: To cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled.
RIDICULE: To subject someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior.
9 Letters
CRITICIZE: To indicate the faults of (someone or something) in a disapproving way.
REPRIMAND: A formal expression of disapproval, especially from an official source.
HUMILIATE: To make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect.
DISPARAGE: To regard or represent as being of little worth; to belittle.
EUTHANIZE: To humanely kill (an animal), typically a pet, due to old age or illness.
More About "put down crossword clue"
"Put down" is a remarkably versatile phrase, which is why it frequently appears in crossword puzzles with a wide array of meanings. This ambiguity can be challenging but also offers many opportunities for clever clueing. Depending on the context, "put down" can refer to physically placing an object, such as a book, or figuratively to an action that brings something to a halt, or even a form of verbal assault.
In crosswords, you'll often encounter "put down" clues that require you to think beyond the literal. For instance, it might imply expressing severe disapproval (like 'censure' or 'rebuke'), suppressing a rebellion ('quash' or 'suppress'), or even the humane termination of an animal's life ('euthanize'). The key to solving these lies in considering the number of letters and the broader theme of the puzzle, searching for synonyms that fit the specific nuance implied by the clue.
Understanding these different facets of "put down" can significantly improve your solving speed. Crossword constructors love these polysemous words because they allow for diverse answers and test the solver's vocabulary depth. Always consider both the direct and idiomatic meanings when faced with such a clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider All Meanings: For clues like "put down," remember that words often have multiple meanings. Don't just stick to the first definition that comes to mind; explore all possible interpretations – literal, figurative, and even idiomatic.
- Check Letter Count: The number of letters required for the answer is your most important guide. Use it to filter out solutions that don't fit, even if they seem conceptually correct.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: Don't try to solve a challenging clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting horizontal and vertical words will provide crucial hints, often revealing the correct answer when multiple possibilities exist.
- Think about Register and Tone: Some answers are formal (e.g., 'depose'), while others are informal (e.g., 'insult'). The clue's wording might give you a hint about the required register of the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "put down" mean in crossword clues?
The phrase "put down" is highly versatile in crosswords, leading to various interpretations. It can mean to criticize or disparage someone (e.g., INSULT, DECRY), to suppress or end something (e.g., QUASH, SUPPRESS), to record or write (e.g., NOTE, JOT), or even to humanely terminate an animal's life (e.g., EUTHANIZE). The specific context of the puzzle and surrounding letters is crucial.
How can I distinguish between the different meanings of "put down"?
Look at the clue's word count first. Then, consider if the clue has any qualifiers like 'humanely' for EUTHANIZE, or 'a riot' for SUPPRESS. Also, pay attention to the tense and part of speech. Cross-referencing with intersecting letters is key; they often reveal which meaning is intended, allowing you to narrow down the possibilities.
What are common synonyms for "put down" in crossword puzzles?
Common synonyms and related terms include DEPOSE, INSULT, REBUKE, CENSURE, QUASH, SUPPRESS, CRITICIZE, REPRIMAND, HUMILIATE, DISPARAGE, DEMEAN, SHELVE, and EUTHANIZE. The vast array of meanings for 'put down' means a wide range of synonyms might appear as answers.