suffocated crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate guide to solving tricky crossword clues. Here you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for "suffocated crossword clue", broken down by letter count to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "suffocated crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
GASPED: Struggled for breath, a common consequence of being suffocated or in distress.
CHOKED: Deprived of air or circulation, often leading to a lack of breath. This is a common direct synonym for 'suffocated' in crosswords.
7 Letters
STIFLED: Suppressed, smothered, or prevented from breathing freely. Another strong synonym, particularly when used metaphorically for feelings or expressions.
9 Letters
SMOTHERED: Covered thickly so as to prevent respiration; suppressed completely. A very direct and common answer for 'suffocated', often implying an external force.
More About "suffocated crossword clue"
The term "suffocated" in crosswords can be a versatile clue, pointing to both literal and figurative meanings. Literally, it refers to the act of depriving a living being of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or death. Common synonyms often used in puzzles include "choked," "stifled," "smothered," or even words describing the desperate attempt to breathe, like "gasped." The key to solving these lies in considering the number of letters and any intersecting words.
Figuratively, "suffocated" can describe a situation where something is suppressed, overwhelmed, or prevented from developing. For instance, "suffocated by debt" or "stifled creativity" are common expressions that might inspire crossword setters. When encountering this clue, always consider the context of the puzzle – is it a straightforward synonym, or is the setter hinting at a more abstract meaning? Paying attention to the word's tense (past tense in this case) is also crucial, as it narrows down the possible answers to verbs ending in -ED.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: For a clue like "suffocated," think about direct synonyms (choked, stifled) but also consider words that describe the opposite or a related state (e.g., revived, gasped for air).
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in your potential answer with the specified length. This immediately narrows down the possibilities significantly, as seen with our 6, 7, and 9-letter solutions above.
- Context is King: Look at surrounding clues and already filled-in letters. These intersecting words are your best friends in confirming or eliminating potential answers for "suffocated."
- Think Figuratively: Beyond the literal meaning, consider if the clue has a metaphorical interpretation. Many crossword setters love to use words like "suffocated" to describe the suppression of emotions, growth, or even sounds.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'suffocated' typically imply in a crossword clue?
'Suffocated' in a crossword clue usually implies a deprivation of oxygen, a suppression, or an overwhelming feeling. Common answers are direct synonyms like 'CHOKED' or 'STIFLED', or words describing the action or consequence such as 'SMOTHERED' or 'GASPED'.
How can I distinguish between 'choked' and 'stifled' when solving a crossword clue like 'suffocated'?
While both 'choked' and 'stifled' are synonyms for 'suffocated', 'choked' often relates more directly to a physical blockage of the airway or being overwhelmed by emotion. 'Stifled' can also refer to physical suffocation but is more frequently used to mean suppressed or held back, particularly with feelings, sounds, or growth. The surrounding letters or other clues in the puzzle can often provide context to differentiate.
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'suffocated' in crosswords?
A common misinterpretation can be focusing solely on the physical aspect and overlooking its use in a more metaphorical sense, such as 'suffocated by debt' or 'stifled laughter'. Always consider both literal and figurative meanings. Also, ensure the tense matches the clue – 'suffocated' is past tense, so answers like 'CHOKED' or 'STIFLED' are more appropriate than 'CHOKE' or 'STIFLE'.