give pain or grief to crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "give pain or grief to," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible solutions, clearly organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "give pain or grief to crossword clue" by Letter Count

3 Letters

VEX: To cause annoyance, frustration, or worry to someone. It implies a mild form of pain or grief, more mental than physical.

4 Letters

HURT: To cause physical pain or injury to someone or a part of their body. Can also mean to cause emotional pain or distress.

PAIN: To cause physical suffering or discomfort to. Directly derived from the clue.

6 Letters

SADDEN: To make someone feel sad, depressed, or unhappy. Directly relates to causing grief.

GRIEVE: To cause intense sorrow or distress to. Directly aligns with causing grief.

7 Letters

AFFLICT: To cause pain or suffering to someone or something. Often used for diseases or persistent problems.

TORMENT: To cause someone to experience severe mental or physical suffering. Implies prolonged agony.

TROUBLE: To cause distress or problems for someone; to bother or worry.

8 Letters

DISTRESS: To cause anxiety, sorrow, or pain to someone. It covers both emotional and sometimes physical suffering.

More About "give pain or grief to crossword clue"

The clue "give pain or grief to" is a classic crossword prompt that requires identifying a verb describing the act of causing suffering. This suffering can manifest in various forms: physical pain, emotional sorrow, mental anguish, or even mild annoyance. The key to solving such clues lies in considering synonyms that fit the precise nuance and, crucially, the available letter count in your puzzle grid.

Crossword setters often use these types of clues to test your vocabulary range, from common everyday words like 'HURT' or 'PAIN' to more formal or intense terms like 'AFFLICT' or 'TORMENT'. Pay close attention to the phrasing of the clue itself – "give pain" might lean towards physical, while "give grief" strongly points to emotional distress. However, many words can cover both aspects, making intersecting letters particularly vital in narrowing down the possibilities.

Understanding the context is also paramount. Is the puzzle a quick daily crossword or a more challenging cryptic one? The expected complexity of the answer will vary. By cross-referencing with other solved words in the puzzle, you can eliminate incorrect guesses and confidently arrive at the solution that perfectly fits both the clue's meaning and the grid's structure.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply physical pain, emotional grief, or a general sense of discomfort? Words like 'WOUND' (physical) differ from 'SADDEN' (emotional).
Check Letter Count First: Always count the available spaces in your grid. This immediately narrows down the pool of potential answers significantly.
Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm words that mean "give pain or grief to" but also consider their opposites if the clue is phrased negatively.
Look for Prefixes/Suffixes: Some answers might be derivatives. If the clue implies a person who gives pain, for example, look for words ending in -ER or -OR.
Use Cross-References: Leverage letters from intersecting words you've already solved. These are your most powerful allies in confirming or rejecting a potential answer.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'give pain or grief to' mean in a crossword?

This clue typically asks for a verb that describes causing suffering, either physical or emotional. The answer could range from mild annoyance to severe torment, depending on the letter count and surrounding clues. Synonyms are key here.

How do I distinguish between physical and emotional pain in crosswords?

While some words are specific (e.g., 'WOUND' for physical), many, like 'HURT' or 'DISTRESS', can apply to both. Often, the number of letters or intersecting words will guide you. Consider the primary connotation of the word and if it fits the broader puzzle theme.

Are there common short answers for 'cause pain' type clues?

Yes, common short answers include VEX (3 letters), AIL (3 letters), HURT (4 letters), HARM (4 letters), PAIN (4 letters), STING (5 letters). Always check if the tense or nuance matches the clue exactly.