ward off crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "ward off," you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate answers to help you complete your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "ward off crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEND: To defend oneself from a blow, attack, or assailant.
5 Letters
AVERT: To turn away or aside; to prevent (an undesirable occurrence) from happening.
REPEL: To drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away.
DETER: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
STAVE: To avert or delay something bad or dangerous. Often used with "off," as in "stave off hunger."
PARRY: To ward off (a weapon or attack) with a countermove, as in fencing.
6 Letters
DEFEND: To protect (someone or something) from attack, harm, or danger.
SHIELD: To protect (someone or something) from a danger, risk, or unpleasant experience.
More About "ward off crossword puzzle clue"
"Ward off" is a common phrase that often appears in crossword puzzles, typically seeking a verb that denotes protection, prevention, or deflection. It can refer to physical threats, such as "warding off an attacker," or more abstract concepts, like "warding off illness" or "warding off boredom." The clue tests your vocabulary for synonyms related to defense, avoidance, or turning away.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a historical puzzle, potentially hinting at ancient combat terms like PARRY, or a more general one seeking everyday verbs like AVERT or REPEL? The nuance of "ward off" often implies actively pushing something away or preventing its approach, making words that convey force or intentional redirection strong candidates.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always check the number of letters indicated for the answer. This is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities.
- Brainstorm Synonyms: Think of as many words as you can that mean "ward off" or are closely related. Don't limit yourself to common ones; crossword setters love to use less obvious but perfectly valid synonyms.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, a single-word clue might lead to a phrasal verb, or vice-versa. While "ward off" is a phrasal verb itself, consider if its single-word equivalent has a direct opposite meaning that might be clued similarly.
- Look at Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, intersecting words will provide letters that give you a hint, especially if a difficult clue like "ward off" has multiple possible answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ward off' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'ward off' typically implies actions of prevention, defense, or turning something away. Answers often relate to stopping an attack, avoiding a situation, or deflecting something harmful.
Are there common synonyms for 'ward off' used in puzzles?
Yes, common synonyms include FEND, AVERT, REPEL, DETER, PARRY, STAVE, and DEFEND. The exact answer will depend on the number of letters required and the specific nuance of the clue.
How can I quickly find answers for action-oriented clues like 'ward off'?
Start by considering the tense and part of speech (usually a verb for 'ward off'). Brainstorm synonyms, then filter them by the number of letters you need. If stuck, think about idioms or less common synonyms for 'preventing harm'.