defuse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "defuse crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Find solutions across various letter counts below.
Solutions for "defuse crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
CALM: To make something or someone less agitated or intense.
EASE: To make less severe, difficult, or painful; to alleviate tension.
5 Letters
ALLAY: To diminish or put at rest (fear, suspicion, or worry); to relieve.
QUIET: To make or become silent, still, or calm; to soothe.
6 Letters
DISARM: To remove the fuse from an explosive device; metaphorically, to reduce hostility or tension.
PACIFY: To quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of (someone); to bring peace to.
SOOTHE: To gently calm a person or their feelings; to relieve pain or discomfort.
7 Letters
ASSUAGE: To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense; to satisfy (an appetite or desire).
10 Letters
NEUTRALIZE: To make (something) ineffective by applying an opposite force or effect; to render harmless.
DEACTIVATE: To make (something) inactive; to render a device or substance safe or non-operational.
More About "defuse crossword clue"
"Defuse" is a versatile word that often appears in crosswords, leading to a range of potential answers depending on the nuance the clue is aiming for. At its core, 'defuse' means to make something less dangerous, tense, or volatile. This can apply literally, such as defusing a bomb, or metaphorically, like defusing a tense argument or situation.
Crossword setters love words like "defuse" because they can lead to multiple synonyms across different contexts. For example, 'disarm' directly relates to explosives, while 'calm' or 'ease' refer to emotional or situational tension. Pay close attention to any subtle hints in the clue, such as accompanying words, which might guide you towards the specific meaning intended by the puzzle creator.
Understanding these different facets of "defuse" will not only help you solve the current puzzle but also improve your general crossword-solving skills for future clues that rely on synonyms and contextual meanings.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider all meanings: As with "defuse," many words have multiple interpretations. Always think beyond the most literal meaning and consider synonyms related to abstract or emotional concepts.
- Check letter counts first: If you have some letters filled in or know the exact length, this is often the fastest way to narrow down possible answers for a given clue like 'defuse'.
- Look for wordplay hints: For cryptic crosswords, 'defuse' might be part of an anagram, a hidden word, or a charade. Be alert to indicators that suggest a non-literal interpretation.
- Use cross-references: If you're stuck on 'defuse', solve other clues that intersect with its squares. The letters you fill in from other answers will greatly assist in revealing the correct word for 'defuse'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "defuse" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "defuse" typically refers to synonyms of making something safe, less dangerous, or less tense. Common meanings include disarming (like a bomb), or calming/easing a situation or emotion. The context of the surrounding words in the puzzle can often help narrow down the exact meaning.
Are there common letter counts for 'defuse' answers?
Yes, several common answers for 'defuse' appear in crosswords with varying letter counts. Popular lengths include 4 letters (e.g., CALM, EASE), 5 letters (e.g., ALLAY), 6 letters (e.g., DISARM, PACIFY, SOOTHE), and longer words like 10 letters (e.g., NEUTRALIZE, DEACTIVATE).
How can I approach clues similar to 'defuse'?
When encountering clues like 'defuse', think broadly about its synonyms and related concepts. Consider words meaning to 'make safe', 'calm down', 'reduce tension', 'neutralize', or 'render harmless'. If it's a cryptic clue, look for wordplay like anagrams, reversals, or hidden words that might lead to a synonym of defuse.