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Cause to face reality (11) - Crossword Clue
Answer: DISILLUSION
Understanding the clue
- To disillusion someone means to free them from a false belief or idealized perception by revealing the truth.
- When you disillusion a person, you cause them to see reality as it actually is, often destroying their naive hopes or romantic notions in the process.
- This verb captures that moment when pleasant illusions shatter and harsh truths become unavoidable.
Why DISILLUSION Fits This Clue
- The crossword clue "cause to face reality" perfectly describes the action of disillusioning someone.
- The phrase "face reality" is key here—it suggests confronting uncomfortable truths rather than continuing to believe in comfortable fantasies.
- DISILLUSION captures this forced awakening to actual circumstances.
- At 11 letters, DISILLUSION fits the specified length precisely, making it the ideal answer for this clue in standard crossword puzzles.
Quick Tips for Solving "Cause to Face Reality" Clues
- Look for the letter count first - At 11 letters, DISILLUSION is one of few words that precisely fits this concept
- Identify the action word - "Cause to" signals you need a verb form that describes making someone do something
- Consider the emotional tone - "Face reality" suggests something unpleasant or sobering, which aligns with disillusionment's negative connotation
- Check crossing letters - Common letters like I, L, S, and O appear multiple times in DISILLUSION, which helps confirm with intersecting answers
- Think about word structure - The prefix "DIS-" often indicates reversal or negation in crossword answers
Cause to face reality (11) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Are there other 11-letter words meaning "cause to face reality"?
A: DISILLUSION is the most common answer. While words like "disenchant" exist, they're typically 10 or 11 letters and less precisely match the clue's meaning.
Q: Is it spelled with one L or two?
A: DISILLUSION uses two L's—one from the prefix "dis-" and one from "illusion." This double-L appears in the middle of the word.
Q: Can DISILLUSION be used in different tenses for crosswords?
A: Yes, you might encounter DISILLUSIONED (12 letters) for clues about someone who has faced reality, or DISILLUSIONS (11 letters) for third-person present tense.
Q: What's the difference between disillusion and disappoint?
A: Disappointment is about unmet expectations, while disillusionment specifically involves discovering that your beliefs or perceptions were fundamentally wrong. Disillusionment is deeper and more reality-focused.
Q: How common is this clue in crosswords?
A: Moderately common in standard and cryptic crosswords. The 11-letter length makes it suitable for mid-sized puzzles, and the concept allows for creative variations in cluing.
