crush

¹crush

verb \ˈkrəsh\

Definition of CRUSH

transitive verb

1

a : to squeeze or force by pressure so as to alter or destroy structure <crush grapes>

b : to squeeze together into a mass

2

: hug, embrace

3

: to reduce to particles by pounding or grinding <crush rock>

4

a : to suppress or overwhelm as if by pressure or weight

b : to oppress or burden grievously <crushed by debt>

c : to subdue completely

5

: crowd, push <were crushed into the elevator>

6

archaic : drink

intransitive verb

1

obsolete : crash

2

: to become crushed

3

: to advance with or as if with crushing

— crush·able \ˈkrə-shə-bəl\ adjective

— crush·er noun

— crush·ing·ly adverb

Examples of CRUSH

1. Unfortunately some of the flowers got crushed when we were moving them.
2. The bicycle was crushed under the truck's tires.
3. The machine crushes the cans so that they can be stored until they are recycled.
4. Her arm was crushed in the accident.
5. Crush the nuts and sprinkle them on top of the cake.
6. The rocks were crushed into dust.

Origin of CRUSH

Middle English crusshen, from Anglo-French croissir, croistre, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Low German krossen to crush

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CRUSH

Synonyms

mash, pulp, squash

Related Words

press, squeeze; beat, pound, powder, pulverize

Near Antonyms

abet, aid, assist, back, help, prop up, support; foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir, whip (up); advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

Rhymes with CRUSH

blush, brush, Cush, flush, gush, hush, lush, mush, plush, rush, shush, slush, thrush, tush

²crush

noun

Definition of CRUSH

1

: an act of crushing

2

: the quantity of material crushed

3

a : a crowding together (as of people)

b : crowd, mob; especially : a crowd of people pressing against one another

4

: an intense and usually passing infatuation <have a crush on someone>; also : the object of infatuation

— crush·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

Examples of CRUSH

1. Yesterday I saw my old high school crush for the first time in five years.
2. The crush in the train station is at its worst during the afternoon rush hour.
3. Outside the hotel stood a crush of reporters waiting for her arrival.

First Known Use of CRUSH

1599

Related to CRUSH

Synonyms

infatuation, mash, passion

Related Words

fixation, obsession; affection, devotion, fondness, love; craze, fad, rage, vogue

See Synonym Discussion at crowd