terrifies crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and stuck on the clue "terrifies", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution for your crossword puzzle.
Solutions for "terrifies crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
SCARES: To cause great fear or apprehension in someone.
ALARMS: To fill someone with apprehension or fear; to dismay.
DAUNTS: To make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive.
9 Letters
PETRIFIES: To make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think.
9 Letters
FRIGHTENS: To make someone afraid or anxious.
More About "terrifies crossword clue"
The word "terrifies" implies a strong sense of fear or dread. In crossword puzzles, clues like this often have multiple synonyms that could fit, making it crucial to check the letter count and any intersecting letters you've already filled in. Common synonyms for "terrifies" range from milder terms like "alarms" or "daunts" to more intense ones like "petrifies," which suggests an overwhelming and paralyzing fear.
Understanding the nuances of these synonyms can be key to unlocking the correct answer. For instance, while "scares" and "frightens" are quite general, "petrifies" hints at an effect that goes beyond simple fear, immobilizing the subject. Always consider if the puzzle's theme or the source (e.g., cryptic vs. standard) might lean towards a specific type or intensity of fear.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Your Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in your grid. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for clues like "terrifies" that have many synonyms.
- Check Intersecting Words: Use any letters you've already filled in from crossing words. This is often the most critical step in confirming or rejecting a potential answer.
- Consider Nuance and Intensity: Think about the exact meaning of the clue. Does "terrifies" imply a sudden shock (scares), a deep dread (daunts), or a paralyzing fear (petrifies)? The setter might be looking for a specific shade of meaning.
- Look for Anagrams or Puns (Cryptic Clues): If it's a cryptic crossword, remember that "terrifies" might be part of an anagram, a pun, or a hidden word. Don't assume it's always a direct synonym.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best answer for a 'terrifies' clue?
Consider the number of letters required and any intersecting letters you already have. Synonyms like 'SCARES,' 'ALARMS,' or 'FRIGHTENS' are common, but precise fitting is key to solving the puzzle accurately.
Can 'terrifies' have a less obvious or metaphorical answer in crosswords?
Yes, sometimes clues like 'terrifies' can lead to answers related to surprising or shocking events, or even things that 'paralyze' (like 'PETRIFIES') rather than just cause pure fear. Always consider the puzzle's theme or any cryptic elements that might hint at a less direct synonym.
What's the difference between 'terrifies' and 'frightens' in a crossword context?
While both words describe causing fear, 'terrifies' often implies a more intense or overwhelming fear. In crosswords, they are often interchangeable, but the specific letter count or other intersecting letters will dictate which word is the correct fit for the puzzle.