discourage crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "discourage crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle and enhance your vocabulary.
Solutions for "discourage crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
DETER: To prevent someone from doing something through fear or doubt.
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
CHILL: To cause someone to feel a sudden and disturbing feeling of fear or dread, hence discouraging them.
7 Letters
INHIBIT: To hinder, restrain, or prevent an action or process, effectively discouraging it.
10 Letters
DISHEARTEN: To cause someone to lose determination or confidence, directly discouraging them.
DEMORALIZE: To destroy the morale of someone, making them lose confidence and enthusiasm.
More About "discourage crossword"
The clue "discourage crossword" points to words that describe the act of lessening someone's enthusiasm, confidence, or intent to act. This can be achieved through various means, from subtle verbal cues to more direct actions that create obstacles. In crosswords, 'discourage' is a versatile verb clue that can elicit a range of synonyms, depending on the specific nuance the puzzle setter intends.
Understanding the context of 'discourage' often involves considering what is being discouraged. Is it an action, a feeling, or a person? For instance, 'DETER' implies stopping an action, while 'DISHEARTEN' focuses on emotional impact. Puzzle solvers should always think broadly about the verb's implications to pinpoint the perfect answer.
Cryptic crosswords might use 'discourage' in a more abstract or playful sense, perhaps hinting at a word that sounds like discouragement or an anagram of related letters. However, in standard crosswords, a direct synonym is usually expected, making a strong vocabulary of related terms highly beneficial.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Nuances: For clues like "discourage," think about the different ways something can be discouraged (e.g., emotionally, practically). This helps you find synonyms that fit different letter counts.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them as a guide. This significantly narrows down the possibilities for words of various lengths.
- Look for Common Prefixes/Suffixes: Words related to 'discourage' often start with 'de-' (deter, demoralize) or end with '-en' (dishearten). Keeping an eye out for these patterns can provide quick wins.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'discourage' used in crosswords?
Common crossword answers for 'discourage' often include words like DETER, DAUNT, CHILL, INHIBIT, and DISHEARTEN. These words convey the sense of disheartening, hindering, or making someone lose confidence.
How do I approach clues that ask for a feeling or an action, like 'discourage'?
For clues related to feelings or actions, consider verbs that describe the process or outcome. Think about cause-and-effect. 'Discourage' implies preventing an action or lowering morale, so look for words that mean 'prevent,' 'hinder,' or 'demotivate.'
Can 'discourage' have more than one meaning in a crossword clue?
Yes, like many words, 'discourage' can have subtle nuances. In crosswords, it might refer to an emotional state ('dishearten'), an action ('deter'), or even a physical effect ('chill' as in to dampen spirits). Always consider the letter count and surrounding letters if available.