break law crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "break law" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your grid.
Solutions for "break law crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ERR: To be mistaken or incorrect; to make a mistake (often in a moral or legal sense).
5 Letters
FLOUT: Openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention).
6 Letters
OFFEND: To cause to feel upset, annoyed, or resentful; to commit an illegal act.
7 Letters
VIOLATE: To act in disregard of (a law, rule, promise, etc.); infringe.
10 Letters
TRANSGRESS: Infringe or go beyond the bounds of (a moral principle or other established standard of behavior).
More About "break law crossword clue"
The clue "break law" is a classic in crosswords, often requiring a verb that describes an action contrary to established rules or statutes. These clues test your vocabulary of words related to transgression, violation, and disobedience. Common answers range from straightforward terms like ERR to more formal or nuanced words such as TRANSGRESS or CONTRAVENE.
When encountering such a clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a quick, easy puzzle, or a more challenging cryptic one? The number of letters provided is your most crucial hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Pay attention to any other words in the clue, as they might suggest a specific type of law-breaking or a particular tone.
Understanding the synonyms and subtle differences between words like "violate" (general disregard) and "flout" (open, defiant disregard) can be key to selecting the correct answer. Crossword setters often use these fine distinctions to create a challenge, so a strong vocabulary related to legal and ethical infringements is highly beneficial.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and antonyms: For clues like "break law," thinking of words that mean the opposite (e.g., obey, comply) or direct synonyms can often lead you to the answer.
- Check letter counts carefully: This is your primary guide. If an answer doesn't fit the given length, it's incorrect, no matter how good a fit semantically.
- Look for verb tense: The clue "break law" implies a present tense action. If the clue was "broke law," you'd be looking for a past tense verb. Always match the verb tense.
- Use surrounding letters: Once you have a few intersecting letters from other clues, they will heavily constrain the possible answers for "break law," helping you confirm or rule out options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'break law' imply in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'break law' typically points to verbs describing an act of violating, infringing, or disregarding rules, regulations, or societal norms. Common synonyms include 'violate,' 'offend,' 'flout,' or 'transgress,' often appearing in clues to test your vocabulary of synonyms for unlawful acts.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'break law' answers?
While not always featuring specific prefixes or suffixes, many answers for 'break law' clues are rooted in Latin or Old French, such as 'transgress' (from 'trans-' meaning across, and 'gradi' meaning to step) or 'violate' (from 'violare'). Recognizing these roots can sometimes help in identifying longer, less common answers.
How do I differentiate between similar 'break law' answers like 'VIOLATE' and 'TRANSGRESS'?
The nuance often lies in the specific context of the clue or the number of letters. 'VIOLATE' is a very general term for breaking any rule or promise. 'TRANSGRESS' often implies stepping over a moral or ethical boundary, or a formal limit. Pay attention to any additional words in the clue that might suggest a specific type of 'breaking' or a particular register of language.