preoccupy or haunt crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "preoccupy or haunt crossword", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "preoccupy or haunt crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DOG: To follow or worry someone persistently, much like a persistent problem or a memory that won't fade.
5 Letters
HAUNT: To recur persistently in the mind of someone, often referring to a memory or a place that is frequently revisited.
BESET: To trouble or threaten someone or something persistently, often by surrounding or pressing in on them.
6 Letters
PLAGUE: To cause continual trouble or distress to; to annoy or bother persistently, like an infectious disease.
OBSESS: To preoccupy or fill the mind of someone continually and to a troubling, often irrational, extent.
7 Letters
POSSESS: (Of a spirit or emotion) to have or exercise control over a person's mind or body; to fill the mind of.
More About "preoccupy or haunt crossword"
The clue "preoccupy or haunt" often points towards words that describe a persistent presence, whether it's a nagging thought, a recurring problem, or even a spectral figure. In crosswords, such clues require you to consider synonyms that imply a strong, often unwanted, influence or continuous presence in one's mind or environment. This category of clues tests your vocabulary for words that convey a sense of being inescapable or perpetually present.
When solving, think about the different facets of 'preoccupy' (like mental focus, obsession) and 'haunt' (like a ghost, or a memory that lingers). The most common answers blend these two concepts, offering words that fit both a strong mental presence and a recurring, possibly unwelcome, physical or psychological return. The number of letters will usually be your primary guide in narrowing down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "preoccupy or haunt," consider the subtle differences between potential answers. Does the word imply a negative influence (like PLAGUE) or a more neutral, persistent presence (like HAUNT)?
- Check Crossings: Always use the intersecting letters from other clues to confirm your answer. This is the most reliable way to ensure you've picked the correct word when multiple options seem plausible for a single clue.
- Think Broadly and Narrowly: Start with broad synonyms, then try to think of more specific words that fit the exact tone or context of the clue. Sometimes, a common word might have a less common meaning that is the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my crossword solving speed?
To improve your speed, regularly practice with different types of crosswords. Familiarize yourself with common crosswordese (words that appear frequently) and look for common clue indicators like 'sounds like' or 'a part of'.
What if multiple answers fit a single crossword clue?
When multiple words seem to fit a clue, cross-reference them with intersecting clues. The correct answer will be the one that fits perfectly with all the letters provided by other clues in the grid. Sometimes, the nuance of the clue's wording can also indicate the best fit.
Are there common themes for 'preoccupy or haunt' clues?
Clues like 'preoccupy or haunt' often relate to persistent thoughts, memories, troubles, or even literal ghostly presences. Common answers include words implying persistence, mental distress, or a pervasive influence, such as OBSESS, PLAGUE, or HAUNT itself.