weaken crossword – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "weaken" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place! Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid. Whether you need a short three-letter word or a longer, more descriptive term, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "weaken crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or exhaust someone's strength or vitality. Think of a tree's sap draining away its life.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy something, often to weaken its structure. Like a river eroding a riverbank.
6 Letters
DILUTE: To make a liquid thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent; can metaphorically mean to weaken an argument or effect by adding extraneous information.
IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something (especially a faculty or function). For example, lack of sleep can impair judgment.
8 Letters
ENFEEBLE: To make weak or feeble. Often used in medical contexts or when describing the effect of prolonged illness.
UNDERCUT: To weaken the position of or undermine something or someone. For instance, a rival's actions can undercut your efforts.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: To make someone very weak and infirm. This often implies a severe or long-term weakening, such as from disease.
More About "weaken crossword"
The term "weaken" in crosswords is a versatile clue that can refer to a variety of actions or states, making it a frequent but sometimes tricky appearance in puzzles. It can describe a physical process, such as erosion or deterioration, where something loses its structural integrity or strength over time. Alternatively, it can refer to a metaphorical weakening, like diluting an argument, undermining a position, or enervating a spirit.
Understanding the nuances of "weaken" often depends on the specific context provided by the rest of the crossword clue. Is it asking for a verb describing an action, or an adjective describing a state? Does it imply a gradual process, or a sudden reduction in power? Considering these subtleties can guide you towards the correct answer from a range of possibilities, from simple verbs like 'sap' to more complex terms like 'debilitate' or 'attenuate'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
Mastering crossword puzzles requires a blend of vocabulary, general knowledge, and strategic thinking. Here are a few tips to help you conquer your next challenge, especially when clues like "weaken" appear:
- Look for Letter Counts: Always check the number of letters required. This is your first and most crucial hint, immediately narrowing down the potential answers significantly.
- Consider Synonyms & Antonyms: If a direct synonym for "weaken" isn't immediately obvious, think about its antonyms (strengthen, fortify) and then brainstorm words opposite to those. Sometimes, seeing the reverse helps illuminate the correct path.
- Pay Attention to Wordplay: Crossword constructors love puns, homophones, and double meanings. "Weaken" could refer to a "weak 'un'" (a weak one), or a word that sounds like it means 'weak'. Always consider if the clue has a humorous or indirect angle.
- Use Cross-References: Don't get stuck on one clue. Fill in answers you're confident about first, then use the intersecting letters to help you solve the more challenging clues. Shared letters are often the key to unlocking difficult sections.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'weaken' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'weaken' typically refers to reducing strength, effectiveness, intensity, or firmness. Answers can range from physical weakening (e.g., ERODE) to metaphorical weakening of arguments, positions, or resolve (e.g., UNDERMINE, DILUTE).
How can I find answers to 'weaken' clues in crosswords?
To find answers, consider synonyms like 'sap,' 'erode,' 'dilute,' 'impair,' 'undermine,' or 'enfeeble.' Also, pay attention to the clue's specific phrasing, accompanying words, and the number of letters required for the answer to guide your choice.
Are there common themes related to 'weaken' in crosswords?
Common themes include terms related to physical decay (erode, rot), diminishing power (undermine, cripple), reducing intensity (dilute, attenuate), or draining energy (sap, exhaust). The context of the clue, such as whether it implies a gradual process or a sudden impact, often hints at the specific type of "weaken" being sought.