Scare stiff (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TERRIFY
TERRIFY is the answer to "Scare stiff (7)" in crossword puzzles. This seven-letter verb perfectly captures the meaning of frightening someone so severely that they become motionless or paralyzed with fear.
Understanding the Clue
- The crossword clue "Scare stiff" uses a common idiomatic expression that describes extreme fear. When someone is scared stiff, they're so frightened that their body literally becomes rigid or frozen in place.
- TERRIFY is the precise term for causing this intense level of fear.The word comes from the Latin "terrificare," meaning to frighten greatly.
- In crossword puzzles, clues about fear and fright frequently appear, with TERRIFY being one of the most popular seven-letter solutions.
- The phrase "scare stiff" is particularly effective as a clue because it combines both the action (scare) and the result (stiff/frozen) in a concise way.
Why This Answer Works
- Letter count: Exactly 7 letters matching the clue requirement
- Meaning alignment: Directly matches the intensity of "scare stiff"
- Common usage: Frequently used in both everyday language and crosswords
- Synonym relationship: TERRIFY is essentially synonymous with extreme scaring
Tips for Solving Fear-Related Clues
- Check the letter count first - This immediately narrows your options. For 7-letter answers about fear, TERRIFY and HORRIFY are your main candidates.
- Look for intensity markers - Words like "stiff," "totally," or "completely" in the clue suggest stronger verbs like TERRIFY rather than milder ones like WORRY.
- Consider crossing letters - If you have T_R__F_ filled in, TERRIFY becomes obvious. Use intersecting answers to confirm.
- Watch for tense variations - The clue might ask for TERRIFIED (past tense) or TERRIFIES (present tense), so count carefully.
- Note the tone - Crosswords often use colloquial expressions. "Scare the daylights out of" or "scare stiff" both point to TERRIFY.
Scare stiff (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could the answer be PETRIFY instead of TERRIFY?
A: Both are 7-letter words meaning extreme fear, but TERRIFY is more commonly used in crosswords for "scare stiff." PETRIFY typically appears with clues referencing stone or fossils due to its "turn to stone" etymology.
Q: What's the difference between TERRIFY and FRIGHTEN?
A: FRIGHTEN (8 letters) describes general fear-causing, while TERRIFY indicates a more extreme, paralyzing level of fright. TERRIFY is the appropriate choice for "scare stiff" due to its intensity.
Q: Are there other 7-letter synonyms for extreme fear?
A: Yes, HORRIFY (7 letters) works for some fear clues, though it often carries connotations of disgust. STARTLE (7 letters) is milder, describing sudden surprise rather than paralyzing fear.
Q: How common is TERRIFY in crossword puzzles?
A: TERRIFY appears regularly in crosswords due to its useful letter pattern (with common letters like T, R, and Y) and clear definition, making it a staple answer for fear-related clues.
