ward off crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for solutions to the crossword clue "ward off," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "ward off crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FEND: To protect oneself from a blow or attack, often used with 'off' to describe the action of warding something away.
SHOO: To make an unwelcome person or animal go away by waving one's hands or shouting, effectively warding them off.
5 Letters
AVERT: To turn away (one's eyes or thoughts), or to prevent or ward off (an unwelcome occurrence).
DETER: To discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear, similar to warding off an action.
PARRY: To ward off (a weapon or attack), especially with a countermove, a common term in fencing and combat.
REPEL: To drive or force (an attack or attacker) back or away, often used for physical or figurative defense.
STAVE: To avert or delay something bad or dangerous, usually followed by 'off', as in 'stave off disaster'.
7 Letters
DEFLECT: To cause (something) to change direction by interposing something; to turn aside, often an attack or criticism.
PREVENT: To keep (something) from happening or arising, a more general term for warding off an outcome.
More About "ward off crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "ward off" is a common phrase in English that refers to the act of preventing something undesirable from happening or approaching. In the context of crosswords, this clue often points to verbs that signify defense, repulsion, or proactive avoidance. Understanding the nuances of these synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer, as different words might fit specific contexts implied by the full clue.
Words like FEND, AVERT, and REPEL are frequently seen as solutions because they directly convey the action of pushing something away, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, you might "fend off" an attacker, "avert" a crisis, or "repel" an invasion. The subtle differences in usage can sometimes be the deciding factor when multiple answers fit the letter count.
Moreover, some answers like PARRY or STAVE carry more specific connotations. PARRY typically relates to deflecting a blow or argument, while STAVE is almost exclusively used with "off" to mean to delay or prevent something unpleasant (e.g., "stave off hunger"). Recognizing these associations will greatly assist in pinpointing the precise word needed for your crossword.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full clue carefully. Is it asking for a physical action, a mental one, or something more abstract? The context will narrow down your options for "ward off" synonyms.
- Check Letter Count: After brainstorming potential answers, immediately check if they match the required letter count. This is often the quickest way to eliminate possibilities.
- Consider Common Phrases: Think about common idiomatic phrases that use "ward off" or its synonyms. For example, "ward off evil" might lead you to different answers than "ward off a punch."
- Use Cross-References: If you have intersecting letters from other solved clues, use them to confirm or deny your potential "ward off" answer. This is a fundamental crossword strategy.
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' in crosswords often include FEND, AVERT, REPEL, DETER, PARRY, and STAVE. These words all convey the sense of preventing something undesirable from approaching or happening.
How can I improve my vocabulary for 'ward off' type clues?
To improve your vocabulary for 'ward off' clues, focus on verbs related to defense, prevention, and pushing away. Regularly consulting a thesaurus for 'ward off' and its synonyms, and noting their specific contexts (e.g., 'parry' for combat, 'stave off' for delaying an outcome), can be highly beneficial.
Are there specific types of 'ward off' clues?
'Ward off' clues can vary. They might be direct synonyms like 'prevent' or 'repel,' or more specific actions like 'deflect a blow' (PARRY, DEFLECT) or 'keep at bay' (FEND, STAVE). Some clues might be more abstract, referring to deterring a feeling or outcome.