curses crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "curses", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution.
Solutions for "curses crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BANS: Formal prohibitions or condemnations, often implying a form of curse or excommunication.
5 Letters
OATHS: Solemn promises or statements, sometimes involving imprecations or curses if broken.
HEXES: Spells or evil enchantments, a common form of curse.
6 Letters
SWEARS: To utter profanities or invoke divine retribution, which is a common way to curse.
9 Letters
ANATHEMAS: Formal ecclesiastical curses or denouncements, often excommunicating someone from a church.
11 Letters
BLASPHEMIES: Irreverent or profane acts or utterances against God or sacred things, often considered curses in a religious context.
12 Letters
IMPRECATIONS: Spoken curses or denunciations, often invoking evil upon someone.
More About "curses crossword clue"
The concept of 'curses' is rich and varied, appearing in literature, folklore, and everyday language across cultures. In crosswords, this versatility makes it a fantastic clue, allowing setters to play with different facets of its meaning. From the casual 'darn' or 'drat' to the more formal 'anathema' issued by a religious body, or even the magical 'hex', the context is key.
Understanding the different nuances of 'curses' can significantly improve your crossword-solving skills. A 'curse' might be an exclamation of frustration, a solemn pronouncement of doom, a magical incantation, or even a form of strong verbal condemnation. Recognizing these varying shades will help you match the clue to the correct answer length and the specific context of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters in the answer is your first and most crucial hint. If 'curses' is a short answer, think of common exclamations like BANS or OATHS. For longer answers, consider more formal or specific terms like ANATHEMAS or IMPRECATIONS.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an adjacent clue or answer can provide a letter or context that clarifies which type of 'curse' the setter is looking for. For example, a clue about religion might point towards ANATHEMAS.
- Consider Synonyms and Context: Think about all possible synonyms for 'curses' – maledictions, imprecations, profanities, hexes, spells, vows, and even strong negative wishes. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that fit various lengths and contexts.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'curses' typically refer to in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'curses' can refer to exclamations of anger ('drat', 'darn'), formal pronouncements of ill will ('anathemas'), or magical spells designed to bring harm ('hexes', 'jinxes'). The context of the clue or surrounding letters will help narrow down the exact meaning.
Why are there so many different answers for 'curses'?
The word 'curses' is highly polysemous, meaning it has many related but distinct meanings. From mild expletives to serious religious condemnations or magical spells, its broad semantic range allows for many valid answers depending on the nuance the crossword setter intends.
Are 'curses' and 'oaths' the same in crosswords?
While sometimes related, 'curses' and 'oaths' are not strictly the same. An oath is a solemn promise or affirmation, often calling upon a deity to witness. A curse is an imprecation of evil or misfortune. However, 'oaths' can be used as a synonym for 'profane language' which aligns with one interpretation of 'curses'.