Welcome back, fellow word nerds and puzzle aficionados! There’s nothing quite like that moment when you’re cruising through a crossword, feeling like a linguistic wizard, and then BAM! You hit a wall. A single, elusive crossword clue that stops you dead in your tracks, demanding a deeper dive into your vocabulary reserves and a more nuanced understanding of language.
Today, we’re zeroing in on one such brain-teaser that might have had you scratching your head: “Frighten off, as from doing something.” Oh, this particular crossword clue is a classic, isn’t it? It perfectly encapsulates the kind of challenge that makes crosswords so endlessly fascinating. It’s not just about knowing a word; it’s about understanding its precise application, its emotional weight, and its subtle difference from a dozen other seemingly similar terms.
When you encounter a crossword clue like “Frighten off, as from doing something,” your mind immediately starts sifting through synonyms.
Deter
?
Discourage
?
Dissuade
?
Ward off
? All good candidates, all related, but one word truly captures the essence of causing someone to abandon an action specifically through fear or intimidation. The key lies in that initial “frighten off” – it suggests a more intense, perhaps even a more primal, form of prevention. It’s not just a polite suggestion to reconsider; it’s an action designed to make someone abandon their intention due to apprehension or unease.
Think about the scenarios where this kind of action might occur. Perhaps a stern warning preventing someone from venturing into dangerous territory. Or a show of force that makes an opponent rethink their next move. The core idea is the successful cessation of an intended action, brought about by the feeling of being spooked or intimidated. This specific crossword clue often requires you to think beyond the immediate surface meaning and delve into the underlying psychological impact of the action.
The beauty of a challenging crossword clue like this is that it forces us to appreciate the subtle distinctions in our language. English is rich with verbs that describe various forms of influence and prevention, but pinpointing the one that perfectly fits the definition given by the setter is the ultimate goal. For this specific crossword clue, consider not just
what
is being done, but
how
it’s being done – with an element of fear or alarm playing a central role.
Many times, when faced with a tricky crossword clue, people tend to gravitate towards the most common synonyms first. And while that’s a great starting point, clues like “Frighten off, as from doing something” often point to a word that, while perhaps less common in everyday chatter, is precise and powerful. It’s the kind of word that, once you land on it, you instantly recognize its perfect fit, and a little lightbulb goes off.
If you’ve been staring at this specific crossword clue for a while, feeling that familiar tug of frustration, know that you’re not alone. It’s a common experience for even the most seasoned solvers. The satisfaction of finally unearthing the right word, the one that perfectly encapsulates the meaning behind “Frighten off, as from doing something,” is one of the purest joys of crossword puzzling. It’s not just about filling in a grid; it’s about expanding your linguistic horizons and sharpening your cognitive agility.
So, take another look at that cryptic phrasing. Consider the full weight of “frighten off” and “as from doing something.” What single word most accurately conveys that specific outcome? What verb implies that the person’s intent was halted due to a sense of unease or intimidation?
This particular crossword clue is a fantastic exercise in precision and semantic depth. It’s why we keep coming back to these grids, day after day, eager for the next linguistic challenge.
Available Answers:
DETER.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: 0714-25 NY Times Crossword 14 Jul 25, Monday