humiliates crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Struggling with "humiliates" in your crossword puzzle? You've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the correct solution.
Solutions for "humiliates crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ABASE: To lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem; degrade.
SHAME: To make feel ashamed; cause to lose honor or respect.
6 Letters
DEBASE: To reduce in value or quality; degrade, often referring to character or status.
HUMBLE: To lower (someone) in dignity or importance; make modest or meek.
7 Letters
DEGRADE: To treat or regard (someone) with contempt or disrespect; lower the character or quality of.
CHASTEN: To have a humbling or subduing effect on; to discipline by punishment.
8 Letters
BELITTLE: To make (someone or something) seem unimportant or insignificant.
DISGRACE: To bring shame or discredit on (someone or something).
9 Letters
EMBARRASS: To cause (someone) to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
More About "humiliates crossword clue"
The clue "humiliates" in crosswords can be surprisingly versatile, leading to a range of answers depending on the nuance the puzzle setter intends. At its core, the word implies an action that diminishes someone's dignity, pride, or status. This can manifest as a direct act of shaming, a subtle belittling, or a more profound degradation. Understanding the various synonyms and their subtle differences is key to mastering this type of clue.
When encountering this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a modern, witty crossword, or a more traditional one? The tone might hint at whether the answer will be a common, everyday word like SHAME or a more formal term like ABASE. Also, pay attention to any surrounding letters you might already have filled in, as these are your most reliable guides to the exact word length and letters.
Sometimes, "humiliates" might refer to the internal feeling of being humiliated rather than the act itself, though this is less common for a direct verb clue. Always think about active verbs when 'humiliates' is presented as a verb. Remembering synonyms that fit various letter counts, as provided above, will significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the overall theme or style of the crossword. Some puzzles prefer literal meanings, while others might lean towards more nuanced or figurative interpretations of clues like "humiliates."
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming, identify the exact number of letters needed for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and makes your search more efficient.
- Think Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't come to mind, try thinking of words opposite to "humiliates" (e.g., honors, praises) and then consider their antonyms. This indirect approach can sometimes unlock the correct answer.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Ensure your proposed answer matches the clue's part of speech. Since "humiliates" is a verb, your answer should also be a verb.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'humiliates' mean in the context of a crossword?
In a crossword, 'humiliates' typically refers to actions that cause someone to feel ashamed, disgraced, or to lose their dignity or self-respect. Clues for 'humiliates' often point to verbs describing such actions, like 'degrades,' 'shames,' or 'abases'.
How can I distinguish between similar answers like ABASE and DEBASE?
While similar, 'ABASE' often emphasizes lowering someone's status or dignity, while 'DEBASE' can refer to lowering the quality, value, or purity of something, including a person's character. The surrounding letters in the crossword grid are crucial for determining the correct fit.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for answers related to 'humiliates'?
Yes, look for prefixes like 'DE-' (as in DEGRADE, DEBASE) which often imply a downward motion or reduction. Suffixes are less common directly for this type of verb, but understanding common verb endings can help. Context and letter count are always key.