crossword clue stifle – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. Here you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "stifle", helping you complete your puzzle with ease and understanding.
Solutions for "crossword clue stifle" by Letter Count
3 Letters
GAG: To prevent speech, often by stuffing something in the mouth.
4 Letters
DAMP: To make something less strong or intense; to discourage or inhibit.
CURB: To restrain or control.
5 Letters
CHOKE: To prevent someone from breathing or speaking.
QUASH: To reject or void; to suppress or subdue.
6 Letters
MUFFLE: To make a sound quieter or less distinct.
7 Letters
SMOTHER: To suffocate or suppress completely.
8 Letters
SUPPRESS: To forcibly put an end to; to inhibit or restrain.
More About "crossword clue stifle"
The clue "stifle" in crosswords can be a versatile term, often prompting solvers to consider various synonyms related to suppression, inhibition, or termination. Common interpretations include physically preventing breath or sound, such as with "choke" or "muffle," or figuratively suppressing emotions, ideas, or movements, as with "suppress" or "quash." Understanding the context of the specific crossword puzzle and the length of the required answer is key to selecting the perfect fit.
This clue frequently appears in puzzles because its meaning can be broad, allowing for a range of solutions depending on the setter's intended nuance. For instance, "stifle a yawn" points towards an act of suppression, while "stifle a rebellion" leans towards quashing. Always consider the precise phrasing of the clue and how it might lead to a more specific synonym, ensuring you're not just thinking of the most common meaning but also its extended uses.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your first and most crucial hint. Immediately filter potential answers based on length to narrow down possibilities.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "stifle," think broadly about synonyms (suppress, choke, gag) but also subtly consider if the clue is a cryptic hint towards an opposite action that has been stifled.
- Check Crossing Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. They are definitive guides and can instantly confirm or rule out a potential answer.
- Think Figuratively and Literally: Many clues, including "stifle," can have both literal and figurative meanings. Consider which context the puzzle is leading you towards.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'stifle' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'stifle' typically points to words meaning to suppress, restrain, choke, or quash. It often implies a cessation of sound, breath, or activity, and can refer to both literal and figurative actions, such as stifling a yawn or a rebellion.
How can I find synonyms for 'stifle' when solving crosswords?
When stuck on 'stifle', think about its various nuances: preventing something (choke, gag, suppress), making something less intense (dampen, curb), or putting an end to something (quash, crush). Considering the context of the puzzle's theme or other crossing letters can also help narrow down the meaning and lead to the correct synonym.
Are common crossword answers for 'stifle' always verbs?
While 'stifle' is primarily a verb, its crossword answers are almost always verbs (e.g., CHOKE, SUPPRESS, GAG). However, in cryptic crosswords, the clue might imply a noun derived from the verb's action or effect, so always be open to different parts of speech, though verbs are most common for direct synonyms.