devastate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! On this page, you'll find all the possible answers for the clue "devastate crossword clue," complete with explanations and categorized by letter count, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "devastate crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
RUIN: To damage something so badly that it is no longer useful, valuable, or enjoyable. A direct synonym for devastate.
5 Letters
WRECK: To completely destroy a vehicle, building, or other structure; to severely damage or spoil something.
CRUSH: To press or squeeze something so hard that it is flattened, distorted, or broken. Can also mean to defeat completely or overwhelm.
6 Letters
RAVAGE: To cause severe and extensive damage to something. Often used to describe destruction by natural forces or conflict.
7 Letters
DESTROY: To put an end to the existence of something by damaging or attacking it. A very common and direct synonym for devastate.
SHATTER: To break suddenly and violently into many pieces; to destroy or severely damage something.
8 Letters
DECIMATE: To drastically reduce the strength or effectiveness of something. Historically, to kill one in every ten people in a group as a punishment.
9 Letters
OVERWHELM: To defeat someone or something by using a lot of force; also, to cause someone to feel a sudden strong emotion, such as sadness or shock, so that they cannot think clearly.
More About "devastate crossword clue"
"Devastate" is a versatile word that can refer to physical destruction or profound emotional impact, making it a favorite for crossword setters. When you encounter "devastate" as a clue, consider whether the puzzle is leaning towards a literal sense of destruction (like a natural disaster devastating a town) or a figurative sense of emotional ruin (like bad news devastating a person). This duality often leads to multiple possible answers depending on the context implied by other clues in the puzzle.
Common answers for "devastate" typically involve words like RUIN, WRECK, DESTROY, or RAVAGE, which directly convey the sense of laying waste. However, don't overlook words that imply a more crushing or overwhelming effect, such as SHATTER, DECIMATE, or OVERWHELM, especially if the clue's word count aligns. Always double-check surrounding letters to confirm the correct fit, as multiple synonyms can sometimes fit the same letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "devastate," consider both literal (destroy, ruin) and figurative (overwhelm, crush emotionally) meanings. This broadens your pool of potential answers.
- Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the required number of letters. This immediately narrows down the possibilities from your brainstormed synonyms.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to help fill in blanks for "devastate." This is often the quickest way to confirm an answer.
- Think About Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can hint at whether "devastate" refers to physical damage, emotional impact, or even a strategic defeat.
- Utilize Crossword Solvers: If completely stuck, don't hesitate to use online crossword solvers. Enter the clue and any known letters to get suggestions. This can save time and help you learn new vocabulary.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'devastate' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'devastate' frequently appearing in crosswords include RUIN, WRECK, DESTROY, RAVAGE, and SHATTER. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and the context of the puzzle.
How can I quickly find answers for clues like 'devastate'?
To quickly find answers, first consider the number of letters needed. Then, brainstorm direct synonyms. If stuck, online crossword solvers like Crosswordanswer.co.uk allow you to search by clue and known letters, speeding up the process significantly.
Does 'devastate' only refer to physical destruction in crosswords?
While 'devastate' often implies physical destruction (e.g., 'devastate a city'), it can also refer to overwhelming emotional distress (e.g., 'devastate with bad news'). Crossword setters sometimes use this duality to create trickier clues, so consider both meanings.