weaken crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and insightful explanations for the clue "weaken crossword," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "weaken crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SAP: To gradually undermine or weaken someone's strength or confidence.
5 Letters
ERODE: To gradually wear away or destroy, reducing strength or substance.
6 Letters
DILUTE: To make (a liquid) thinner or weaker by adding water or another solvent to it, thereby reducing its potency.
8 Letters
ENERVATE: Cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken physically or morally.
10 Letters
DEBILITATE: Make (someone) very weak and infirm, often referring to health or strength.
More About "weaken crossword"
The clue "weaken" is a perennial favorite in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to challenge solvers. Its versatility stems from the many ways something can be weakened, ranging from physical decay to emotional or strategic undermining. Understanding these nuances is key to selecting the correct answer, especially when similar words might fit the letter count.
Crossword setters frequently use "weaken" to refer to a gradual process, like the wearing down of resistance or the fading of a color. They might also imply a deliberate act of reducing strength or effectiveness, such as diluting a solution or undermining an argument. Paying close attention to any contextual words in the clue (e.g., 'gradually', 'by adding water', 'spiritually') can provide vital hints to narrow down the possible answers and find the perfect fit for your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does "weaken" imply a destructive act (erode, corrode), a reduction in concentration (dilute, thin), or a loss of vitality (sap, enervate)? The tone can guide you to the right family of synonyms.
- Consider Word Lengths First: Before delving into synonyms, see if any of the provided answers match the number of letters you need. This immediately narrows your focus.
- Think About Word Parts: Many words related to weakening have common prefixes (like 'de-' as in debilitate, or 'un-' as in undermine) or suffixes. Recognizing these can help when you have a few letters already in place.
- Check for Homophones or Puns: While "weaken" is often straightforward, some clues might play on words that sound similar or have double meanings, so always keep an eye out for wordplay.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'weaken' typically imply in a crossword clue?
In crosswords, 'weaken' often refers to diminishing strength, intensity, resolve, or power. It can encompass physical, mental, or structural weakening. Common answers are synonyms like erode, dilute, sap, undermine, or enervate.
How can I find synonyms for 'weaken' when solving crosswords?
Consider the context of the clue: is it physical (erode, wear down), emotional (sap, demoralize), or a process (dilute, attenuate)? Think about prefixes (de-, un-) or suffixes (-en) that might form 'weaken' synonyms. Also, use a good thesaurus or an online crossword solver for ideas based on letter count.
Are there common tricky clues for 'weaken'?
Yes, 'weaken' can be clued metaphorically, leading to answers like 'undermine' (to weaken by degrees), 'sap' (to drain of strength), or 'water down' (to dilute an argument or proposal). Pay attention to any accompanying words that suggest a specific type of weakening.