intimidates crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find the most comprehensive solutions for the clue "intimidates crossword clue," organized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each answer.
Solutions for "intimidates crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
COW: To intimidate or frighten someone, often into doing something through threats or violence. For example, 'to cow someone into submission'.
5 Letters
DAUNT: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive; to discourage. This often implies a psychological effect rather than physical threat.
SCARE: To cause great fear or apprehension in someone. A more general term for causing fright, which can lead to intimidation.
7 Letters
OVERAWE: To impress someone so much that they are silent or inhibited. This form of intimidation comes from overwhelming respect, authority, or grandeur rather than explicit threat.
More About "intimidates crossword clue"
The clue "intimidates" is a common one in crosswords, and its solutions often revolve around words that describe the act of causing fear, apprehension, or a sense of inferiority in another person. The specific answer depends heavily on the letter count and any surrounding clues or context within the puzzle. Words like 'DAUNT' and 'SCARE' are direct synonyms, focusing on the psychological impact of fear, while 'COW' often implies a more forceful, perhaps even threatening, type of intimidation.
Understanding the subtle differences between these synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer. For instance, 'OVERAWE' suggests a form of intimidation born from immense respect or power, rather than direct threat. This semantic precision is what makes crosswords challenging and rewarding. Pay attention to whether the clue hints at subtle psychological pressure or overt menacing behavior.
Crossword setters love to use synonyms that have multiple meanings, or verbs that can also act as nouns, to mislead solvers. Always consider alternative interpretations of the clue. For "intimidates," consider if it implies an action being performed or a state being induced.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "intimidates," consider the exact shade of meaning. Is it about subtle discouragement (DAUNT), outright fear (SCARE), or forcing submission (COW)? The context of other solved letters can often narrow down the options.
- Look for Homophones and Puns: Crossword constructors often use wordplay. For "COW," a clue might hint at a farm animal to throw you off. Always keep an eye out for double meanings or sounds-like words.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: Sometimes, the answer might be part of a common idiom or phrasal verb. While not directly applicable to a single word like 'intimidates', knowing common phrases can help with related clues.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the given letter count. This is the most fundamental filter for any crossword clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'intimidates' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'intimidates' refers to actions or feelings that make someone fearful, hesitant, or submissive. Clues might hint at various levels of intimidation, from slight apprehension to outright terror, often seeking synonyms like DAUNT, SCARE, COW, or OVERAWE.
How can I find synonyms for 'intimidates' for my crossword?
To find synonyms for 'intimidates', consider the nuance of the clue. Is it about scaring, controlling, or making someone feel small? Think about words that convey power dynamics or fear. Looking at common prefixes or suffixes can also help, as can checking the letter count if it's provided in the clue.
Are there common tricky clues related to 'intimidates'?
Yes, tricky clues often use indirect language or wordplay. For 'intimidates', you might see clues like 'Herd leader perhaps?' (for COW, as in 'to cow someone') or 'Discourage, perhaps?' (for DAUNT). Always consider literal and figurative meanings, and look for homophones or puns.