What does 'defy repel' mean in a crossword context?

In crosswords, 'defy repel' often points to words that mean to resist, push back, or reject something. It covers actions of opposition, avoidance, or driving something away.

Are there common alternative clues for answers like RESIST or REPEL?

Yes, RESIST can also be clued as 'stand up to', 'withstand', or 'fight against'. REPEL might appear as 'drive back', 'ward off', or 'avert'.

How can I quickly find answers for multi-word clues?

For multi-word clues, focus on the core meaning. 'Defy repel' is a compound concept. Consider synonyms for each part, or phrases that combine their meanings. Look for answers that concisely express the combined action.

defy repel crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "defy repel crossword clue" to help you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide solutions across various word lengths to ensure you find exactly what you need.

Solutions for "defy repel crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

SHUN: To persistently avoid, ignore, or reject (someone or something) through antipathy or caution. Implies a form of repelling or defying social interaction.

5 Letters

REPEL: To drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away; to refuse to accept. Directly from the clue.

6 Letters

RESIST: To withstand the action or effect of; to oppose. Often used in crosswords for 'defy' or 'stand up to'.

REBUFF: To reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner. A strong form of defying or repelling an advance.

More About "defy repel crossword clue"

The clue "defy repel" combines two distinct but related actions: to challenge or resist (defy) and to push back or drive away (repel). In crosswords, such compound clues require you to think about words that encapsulate both meanings or a strong overlap between them. This often leads to answers that describe an act of opposition or rejection.

Understanding the nuances of each word is key. "Defy" suggests an active standing against authority, expectations, or a challenge, while "repel" implies a physical or emotional pushing away. Together, they create a semantic space for words that involve strong negative reactions, resistance, or aversion, making answers like SHUN, REPEL, RESIST, and REBUFF perfect fits.

When encountering similar clues, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a general knowledge crossword, or does it have a specific theme? This can sometimes hint at the type of vocabulary to expect, further narrowing down your options and helping you pinpoint the correct solution among several possibilities.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Analyze Each Word: Break down compound clues like "defy repel" into their individual components. Think of synonyms for "defy" and "repel" separately, then look for words that combine or overlap these meanings.
Consider Letter Count First: If you have some letters filled in, use the known length to filter possible answers immediately. This significantly narrows the field and makes the puzzle more manageable.
Look for Overlaps: Many crossword answers have multiple meanings or can fit various clues. If an answer seems plausible for one part of a compound clue, see if it can also stretch to cover the other.
Use a Crossword Dictionary (Mentally or Physically): For tricky clues, having a mental lexicon of common crossword terms or using a dedicated resource can provide the missing link.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best strategy for composite crossword clues like 'defy repel'?

The best strategy is to consider each word in the clue individually first, generating synonyms or related concepts. Then, look for a single word that captures the essence or a common result of both actions combined. Also, check for the letter count to narrow down options.

Why do some crossword clues have multiple possible answers of different lengths?

Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because English words are rich in synonyms, homographs, and words with nuanced meanings. The specific answer depends on the intersecting letters from other clues in the grid, which helps you determine the correct word length and spelling.

How can I improve my crossword-solving speed?

Practice regularly with different types of crosswords. Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese (words frequently used in puzzles), learn common abbreviations, and build your vocabulary. Over time, you'll start recognizing patterns and common clueing styles more quickly.