frighten crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "frighten" to help you complete your crossword puzzle, along with detailed explanations and useful tips.
Solutions for "frighten crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COW: To intimidate or dishearten someone, often through fear.
5 Letters
SCARE: To cause great fear or apprehension in someone.
ALARM: To fill someone with apprehension or fear.
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
SPOOK: To frighten or unnerve someone.
DETER: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear.
6 Letters
APPALL: To greatly dismay or horrify someone.
7 Letters
TERRIFY: To cause someone to feel extreme fear.
STARTLE: To cause someone to feel sudden shock or alarm.
HORRIFY: To fill someone with horror; to shock greatly.
More About "frighten crossword"
The clue "frighten" is a common staple in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to challenge solvers. It primarily points towards words that describe the act of causing fear, apprehension, or intimidation. Depending on the puzzle's complexity and the setter's style, the answers can range from simple, direct synonyms to more nuanced terms that imply causing someone to be timid or discouraged.
When encountering "frighten" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider not just outright terror, but also more subtle forms of fear or deterrence. Words like 'COW' or 'DAUNT' fit this broader spectrum, indicating a psychological impact rather than just a sudden scare. Pay attention to the number of letters required and any crossing letters you already have, as these will be your best guides to narrowing down the possibilities among the many synonyms.
The context of the surrounding clues can also provide hints. If other clues in the puzzle have a historical or literary bent, a less common synonym for 'frighten' might be required. Conversely, in a quick-solve or daily puzzle, a more straightforward answer like 'SCARE' or 'ALARM' is likely.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always count the available boxes in your grid before looking for answers. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and narrows your focus.
- Consider Nuances of Meaning: Words like 'frighten' have synonyms that cover a range of intensities (e.g., 'startle' vs. 'terrify'). Think about which nuance best fits the overall puzzle's tone or specific wordplay.
- Look for Wordplay: Be alert for clues that use puns, anagrams, or other forms of wordplay. 'Frighten' could be clued indirectly, such as 'intimidate livestock' pointing to COW.
- Use Crossing Letters: Leverage any letters you've already solved from intersecting words. These fixed letters are invaluable for confirming or rejecting potential answers for 'frighten'.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'frighten' typically mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'frighten' clues often look for synonyms related to causing fear, apprehension, intimidation, or startling someone. Common answers include SCARE, ALARM, DAUNT, TERRIFY, or SPOOK.
How can I find the correct length answer for 'frighten'?
To pinpoint the right answer length, first check the number of boxes available in your crossword grid. Then, consider various synonyms of 'frighten' and see which ones match the required letter count. For example, if you need a 5-letter word, SCARE or ALARM might fit. If it's a 7-letter word, TERRIFY or STARTLE could be the solution.
Are there any common wordplay tricks for 'frighten' clues?
Yes, crossword setters sometimes use indirect clues. For instance, 'frighten' might be clued as 'make sheep nervous' (COW) playing on the verb 'to cow'. Other times, a clue might refer to the *effect* of frightening, like 'put off' for DETER. Always consider both direct synonyms and more lateral interpretations.