mutilate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "mutilate", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get your crossword puzzle solved quickly.
Solutions for "mutilate crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
MAR: To spoil the appearance or quality of something.
4 Letters
MAIM: Wound or injure (a person or animal) so as to make the body permanently damaged.
MAUL: (Of an animal) wound (a person or animal) by scratching and tearing; to treat roughly.
6 Letters
INJURE: Do physical harm or damage to (someone).
MANGLE: Severely disfigure or damage by cutting, tearing, or crushing.
7 Letters
CRIPPLE: Cause (someone) to become unable to walk or move properly; severely damage or impair.
9 Letters
DISFIGURE: Spoil the appearance of.
More About "mutilate crossword clue"
The term "mutilate" refers to inflicting a severe wound or injury, often resulting in permanent disfigurement or loss of a limb or function. In crosswords, clues like "mutilate" often draw on synonyms that range from direct physical harm to spoiling or damaging something's appearance or integrity.
Understanding the nuance of synonyms is key. For example, 'maim' specifically points to a disabling injury, while 'disfigure' focuses on the aesthetic damage. Crossword constructors might use 'mutilate' to lead you to any of these related concepts, requiring you to consider the broader semantic field.
When encountering such a clue, think about the various contexts in which 'mutilate' can be used – from physical violence to the destruction of objects or documents. This breadth of meaning is what allows for multiple answers of differing lengths and specific connotations.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the available grid space with the potential answers provided. This is the quickest way to narrow down options for "mutilate" or any other clue.
- Use Intersecting Letters: Once you've filled in a few intersecting words, use those letters as guides. If 'Mutilate' crosses a word that starts with 'D', you can immediately rule out 'MAIM' and focus on answers like 'DISFIGURE' if the length matches.
- Consider Synonyms and Nuances: Crossword clues often play on synonyms, antonyms, or puns. For 'mutilate', think about actions that result in damage, disfigurement, or serious injury. Sometimes the answer is a less common synonym that perfectly fits the grid.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there multiple answers for "mutilate crossword clue"?
Crossword clues often have multiple possible answers because many words are synonyms or can fit the clue's meaning depending on context. The specific answer you need will usually be determined by the number of letters required and the intersecting letters from other solved clues in your puzzle.
How can I confirm the correct answer for "mutilate" in my puzzle?
To confirm the correct answer, first check the required number of letters for the word in your crossword grid. Then, use any intersecting letters from clues you've already solved. This will narrow down the options and help you pinpoint the precise word that fits your puzzle.
What's the difference between 'maim' and 'mutilate'?
'Maim' specifically refers to inflicting a severe, often permanent, physical injury that disables or disfigures. 'Mutilate' is a broader term that can include maul, mangle, or disfigure, implying severe damage or disfigurement, not necessarily leading to permanent disability, but often involving significant alteration.