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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with CRUSH

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