to weaken crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "to weaken," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, along with their meanings, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "to weaken crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually weaken or drain the strength or energy from someone or something.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy something, often in a destructive manner.
6 Letters
IMPAIR: To weaken or damage something, often reducing its quality or effectiveness.
8 Letters
ENERVATE: To cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken physically or mentally.
9 Letters
UNDERMINE: To gradually weaken or damage someone or something, often subtly or insidiously.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: To make someone or something very weak and infirm, often due to illness or exhaustion.
More About "to weaken crossword clue"
The clue "to weaken" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary around concepts of reduction, diminishment, and loss of power or vitality. The challenge lies in discerning whether the clue refers to a physical, emotional, or abstract weakening, and then matching it to the correct word length.
Answers to this type of clue can be verbs describing the act of making something less strong, effective, or intense. Common contexts include weakening an argument, a physical structure, a person's health, or a substance's concentration. Understanding these nuances can help you pick the most appropriate word from the list of possibilities.
For instance, "SAP" suggests a slow, draining process, while "DEBILITATE" often implies a severe, perhaps illness-induced, weakening. "UNDERMINE" carries a connotation of subtle, perhaps malicious, reduction of authority or stability. Recognizing these subtle differences, combined with the number of letters, is key to success.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always consider the overall theme of the puzzle or any related clues. Sometimes, a "to weaken" clue might be part of a larger set focusing on actions or conditions.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Don't just guess. If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to narrow down the possible answers for "to weaken." This is often the fastest way to confirm your solution.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to use synonyms that aren't the first thing that comes to mind. While "weaken" is straightforward, consider words that imply weakening like "erode," "attenuate," or "dilute."
- Consider Phrasal Verbs: While we've focused on single words here, some "to weaken" clues might point to phrasal verbs like "TO WEAR DOWN" or "TO WATER DOWN." Always be open to these possibilities if single-word answers don't fit.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'to weaken' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'to weaken' refers to actions or processes that reduce strength, effectiveness, intensity, or vitality. Answers can range from literal physical weakening to metaphorical weakening of arguments, systems, or resolve. Common synonyms include deplete, erode, impair, sap, undermine, and debilitate.
Are there common synonyms for 'weaken' that appear in crosswords?
Yes, many! Besides those listed on this page, common crossword synonyms for 'weaken' include 'LESSEN', 'DILUTE', 'REDUCE', 'SAP', 'ENFEEBLE', 'ERODE', 'IMPAIR', 'ATTENUATE', and 'CRIPPLE'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and any intersecting clues.
How can I solve 'to weaken' clues quickly?
When encountering 'to weaken' as a clue, first consider the number of letters you need. Then, think about common verbs associated with reduction or diminishment. Look at surrounding letters if you have them, as these will often narrow down the possibilities significantly. Think about both physical and abstract forms of weakening.