protect crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "protect crossword clue" in your puzzle, 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 ensure you complete your crossword with ease.
Solutions for "protect crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SAVE: To keep safe or rescue (someone or something) from harm, danger, or an unpleasant situation.
FEND: To ward off or repel (an attack or attacker).
5 Letters
GUARD: To watch over in order to protect or control.
COVER: To place something over so as to protect or conceal.
6 Letters
DEFEND: To protect from harm or danger.
SHIELD: To protect (someone or something) from a danger, risk, or unpleasant experience.
SECURE: To protect against threats; to make safe or firmly fixed.
7 Letters
SHELTER: To provide with a roof or covering; to protect from the weather or danger.
More About "protect crossword clue"
The word "protect" is a common and versatile verb that can appear in crosswords with many different synonyms, depending on the specific nuance the clue intends. It generally implies keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or danger. Crossword setters love to use such words because they allow for a wide range of answers with varying lengths and specific meanings, pushing solvers to think beyond the most obvious synonyms.
When you encounter "protect" as a clue, consider the context of other intersecting words. Is it protection from a physical threat, an abstract danger, or even providing a shield from weather? For instance, "protect from rain" might lead to answers like COVER or SHELTER, while "protect a secret" could lean towards GUARD or SECURE. The beauty of crosswords lies in discerning these subtle differences.
Familiarity with common prefixes and suffixes can also help. Words like 'pro-', 'de-', or '-end' can often be part of answers related to protection, guiding you towards solutions you might not immediately recall. Always check the required letter count first, as this is the most crucial filter for narrowing down possibilities for 'protect crossword clue'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always start by noting the exact number of letters needed for the solution. This is the fastest way to eliminate many possibilities and focus on relevant answers for "protect crossword clue."
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym isn't obvious, think about related words or even antonyms (e.g., 'expose' is the opposite of 'protect'). Sometimes, a clue might be phrased indirectly.
- Check Intersecting Words: The letters you already have from completed intersecting words are your best friends. They can reveal patterns or specific letters that only fit one of your potential "protect" answers.
- Think About Context: Does the puzzle have a theme? Is the clue part of a phrase? The surrounding clues or the puzzle's title might offer subtle hints about the specific type of protection being sought.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for 'protect' in my crossword?
Consider the number of letters required for the solution. Common answers include SAVE (4 letters), GUARD (5 letters), DEFEND (6 letters), and SHELTER (7 letters). Also, check if any letters are already filled in from intersecting words to narrow down possibilities.
What's the difference between 'DEFEND' and 'GUARD' for 'protect'?
'DEFEND' often implies active resistance against an attack or threat (e.g., 'defend a castle'). 'GUARD' suggests a more passive watching over to prevent harm or escape (e.g., 'guard a prisoner' or 'guard a secret'). Both fit 'protect', but the context of the puzzle might hint at one over the other.
Are there any less common synonyms for 'protect' used in crosswords?
Yes, less common but still valid synonyms for 'protect' can include BIND (as in to secure or keep safe), FEND (as in 'fend off'), or even SHIELD, which is quite common but might be less obvious than GUARD. Always think broadly about the verb's meaning.