ward off crossword clue 5 letters – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. If you're stumped by "ward off crossword clue 5 letters," you've come to the right place. We provide not just the answers, but also clear explanations to help you understand the logic behind them, ensuring you excel in your next puzzle!
Solutions for "ward off crossword clue 5 letters" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AVERT: To turn away or prevent something undesirable from happening, fitting the meaning of warding off.
REPEL: To drive or force an attack, an unwanted person, or something undesirable back or away, a direct synonym for ward off.
More About "ward off crossword clue 5 letters"
The phrase "ward off" implies deflecting, preventing, or repelling something. In crosswords, clues like this often have multiple potential answers depending on the context of the puzzle, the setter's style, and, most crucially, the number of letters required. For a 5-letter solution, 'AVERT' and 'REPEL' are highly common and direct fits, both conveying the action of keeping something undesirable at bay.
Understanding the nuances of such verbs is key to crossword success. 'Ward off' isn't just about physical deflection; it can also refer to preventing an emotional state, a bad outcome, or a disease. A good crossword solver considers all these layers of meaning, combining them with letter count and intersecting letters to pinpoint the exact word needed.
This particular clue is quite common, and mastering its possible solutions, especially by letter count, will significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process. Our site aims to provide you with a comprehensive list of possibilities, ensuring you never get stuck on "ward off" again!
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Intersecting Clues: Always use the letters provided by crossing words. Even one letter can often eliminate many potential answers for "ward off."
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: Think beyond direct synonyms. "Ward off" can sometimes imply preventing or avoiding something, leading to answers you might not immediately consider.
- Verify Letter Count: Double-check the exact number of letters needed. This is the most critical constraint after the clue itself, ensuring you only consider solutions like AVERT (5 letters) or REPEL (5 letters).
- Look for Common Crossword Verbs: Familiarize yourself with verbs that frequently appear as answers for actions like 'ward off,' 'to start,' 'to finish,' etc.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'ward off' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'ward off' often appearing in crosswords include AVERT, REPEL, FEND, DEFLECT, and KEEP AT BAY. The specific answer will depend on the number of letters required and other intersecting clues.
How does the number of letters help in solving 'ward off' clues?
Knowing the number of letters significantly narrows down the possibilities. For 'ward off 5 letters', answers like AVERT or REPEL are prime candidates. If it were 4 letters, FEND would be likely, or 7 letters might suggest DEFLECT. This constraint is crucial for quick solutions.
Can 'ward off' have a more figurative meaning in a crossword clue?
Yes, 'ward off' can sometimes be used figuratively, for example, 'ward off hunger' might lead to answers like 'SATIATE' (if the letter count matches), or 'ward off evil' could suggest 'EXORCISE'. Always consider both literal and figurative interpretations, alongside letter count and intersecting words.