damage or weaken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're stuck on the "damage or weaken" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, explanations, and tips to help you conquer your puzzle. Whether you need a short answer or a longer word, we've got you covered.
Solutions for "damage or weaken crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually diminish or destroy strength or vitality.
4 Letters
HARM: To cause damage or injury to.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy, or to deteriorate.
6 Letters
IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something, especially a function or ability.
8 Letters
UNDERCUT: To weaken or undermine (something or someone) surreptitiously or by degrees.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: To make someone very weak and infirm.
More About "damage or weaken crossword clue"
The clue "damage or weaken" is a common type in crosswords, often requiring a word that implies a reduction in strength, integrity, or effectiveness. It can refer to physical harm, the deterioration of an object, or even the undermining of an argument or a person's resolve. The key to solving it is to consider the context of the surrounding words in the puzzle and the length of the required answer.
Words like 'erode' and 'sap' suggest a gradual process, while 'harm' and 'impair' can imply a more immediate or direct negative impact. 'Debilitate' is usually used in the context of health or energy, indicating a severe weakening. Understanding these nuances can help you pick the precise answer the puzzle setter intends.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to narrow down the possibilities for "damage or weaken". This is often the quickest way to confirm an answer.
- Consider Synonyms: Think broadly about synonyms for 'damage' and 'weaken'. Words related to decay, decline, injury, or reduction in power can often be valid answers.
- Look at Word Lengths: As demonstrated above, this clue can have answers of various lengths. If you know the number of letters, it significantly limits the options.
- Prefixes/Suffixes: Sometimes, the clue might imply a word that takes a common prefix or suffix (e.g., un-, de-). Keep an eye out for these patterns.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many letters are in the answer for 'damage or weaken'?
The clue 'damage or weaken' can have several answers ranging from 3 letters (e.g., SAP) to 10 letters (e.g., DEBILITATE), depending on the specific puzzle.
What other clues are similar to 'damage or weaken'?
Similar clues often include 'reduce strength', 'make fragile', 'cause deterioration', or 'undermine resilience'. Always consider synonyms related to deterioration or loss of power.
What is the most common answer for 'damage or weaken'?
While answers vary, 'IMPAIR', 'ERODE', and 'HARM' are frequently seen solutions for this type of clue due to their direct meaning of causing damage or reducing strength.