preventing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers for "preventing crossword clue", categorized by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the nuances of each solution. Dive in to find your perfect fit and learn more!
Solutions for "preventing crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
FOILING: To prevent someone from accomplishing something, often through clever means or by thwarting their efforts.
BARRING: To prevent entry, exit, or access, or to exclude someone from doing something, often by placing a barrier.
8 Letters
AVERTING: To turn away or aside, often used in the context of preventing something undesirable from happening, such as a disaster.
STOPPING: Coming to an end or causing to end; preventing further movement or action of something or someone.
BLOCKING: Physically obstructing or making passage or progress difficult, thereby preventing its continuation or initiation.
9 Letters
HINDERING: Making it difficult for someone or something to do something or for something to happen, thus impeding progress.
OBVIATING: Removing a need or difficulty, or avoiding something, thereby preventing its occurrence or necessity.
THWARTING: Preventing someone from accomplishing something, often a plan, effort, or desire.
12 Letters
FORESTALLING: Acting in advance of someone in order to prevent them from doing something, or preventing something by taking action ahead of time.
More About "preventing crossword clue"
The clue "preventing" in a crossword puzzle typically asks for a word that signifies stopping, hindering, or making something impossible. This can range from physical obstructions to abstract actions that preclude an event or outcome. The exact answer often depends on the context provided by intersecting letters and the specific tone or register of the puzzle.
When you encounter such a clue, consider the various synonyms for prevention: are you stopping something from starting (e.g., forestalling), from continuing (e.g., hindering, blocking), or from being effective (e.g., foiling, thwarting)? The tense and form of the required answer are also crucial – is it a verb, a noun, or an adjective? Paying attention to these details will significantly narrow down the possibilities.
Sometimes, "preventing" clues can refer to protective measures or pre-emptive actions taken to avoid a negative consequence. For instance, putting a lid on a pot to stop spills is "preventing" a mess. Similarly, taking precautions to avoid illness is "preventing" sickness. Understanding these broader applications can help unlock less obvious solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For "preventing" and similar clues, think beyond direct synonyms. Does the clue imply a physical barrier, a strategic action, or a legal prohibition? Each nuance points to different word families.
- Consider Word Lengths: The number of letters is your most powerful constraint. If a word like "STOPPING" fits an 8-letter slot, it's a strong candidate. If it's longer, you might need a more complex synonym like "FORESTALLING."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters from already solved intersecting words. These fixed letters are invaluable for confirming your proposed answer and eliminating incorrect possibilities.
- Think About Word Form: Is the clue a verb in present participle form (ending in -ing), a past tense verb, a noun, or an adjective? The answer must match the grammatical form of the clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy for 'preventing' clues in crosswords?
For 'preventing' clues, think about synonyms for stopping, blocking, or avoiding. Consider verbs in their gerund form (-ing) if the clue implies an ongoing action. Also, look for words that imply anticipation to prevent something, like 'forestalling' or 'obviating'.
How do I find a crossword answer when I only have a few letters?
If you have some letters, focus on common prefixes and suffixes. Use an online crossword solver where you can input known letters and question marks for unknowns. Also, consider the clue's context – is it a noun, verb, or adjective? This can narrow down possibilities significantly.
Why are some crossword clues vague?
Crossword constructors often use vague or ambiguous clues to increase the challenge. This might involve double meanings, wordplay, or relying on less common synonyms. The trick is to consider all possible interpretations and how they might fit with intersecting words to confirm your answer.