Keep from happening

“Keep from happening” – A Clue You Might See in Your Crossword Puzzle

Ah, the joys of the crossword puzzle! They can be a relaxing pastime, a brain-teasing challenge, or a frustrating exercise in futility, depending on the day. But one thing’s for sure: crossword puzzles always deliver a healthy dose of vocabulary enrichment.

Today’s post dives into a common crossword clue:

“Keep from happening.”

This clue can be a bit tricky, as it evokes a range of possible answers depending on the context. It could be a synonym for “prevent,” “avoid,” or “stop,” but it could also hint at a more nuanced action.

Let’s explore some possible answers, considering the different ways “keep from happening” might be interpreted in a crossword puzzle.

1. Direct Prevention

“Prevent”

is a straightforward answer, fitting for situations where action is taken to ensure something doesn’t occur. Think of a doctor taking steps to prevent a disease, or a driver braking to prevent an accident.

“Stop”

is another option, emphasizing the immediate cessation of an ongoing action. Imagine a referee stopping a game due to a foul, or a parent stopping a child from playing in the street.

“Avoid”

suggests intentional avoidance, a conscious decision to stay clear of something potentially negative. This could be avoiding a dangerous area or avoiding a topic that causes tension.

2. Interference and Delay

“Thwart”

implies a more forceful intervention, actively hindering something from happening. Think of a detective thwarting a criminal’s plan, or a team thwarting their opponent’s strategy.

“Delay”

emphasizes slowing down or postponing something, rather than outright preventing it. Imagine a delay in construction due to bad weather, or a delay in a meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.

3. Passive Prevention

“Avert”

suggests a successful avoidance of a negative outcome, often through careful planning or anticipation. This could be averting a disaster by taking precautions, or averting a conflict by mediating a solution.

“Forestall”

implies anticipating a potential problem and taking steps to prevent it before it arises. This could be stockpiling supplies to forestall a shortage, or taking preventive measures to forestall a disease outbreak.

Remember, the best way to decipher a crossword clue is to consider the context, the surrounding words, and the length of the answer.

Good luck with your next crossword puzzle! I hope this exploration of the clue “Keep from happening” helps you crack the code and find the perfect answer!

Available Answers:

AVERT.

Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 11 Aug 24, Sunday