squash

¹squash

verb \ˈskwäsh, ˈskwȯsh\

Definition of SQUASH

transitive verb

1

: to press or beat into a pulp or a flat mass : crush

2

: put down, suppress <squash a revolt>

intransitive verb

1

: to flatten out under pressure or impact

2

: to proceed with a splashing or squelching sound <squash through the mud>

3

: squeeze, press

— squash·er noun

Examples of SQUASH

1. He squashed his nose against the window.
2. His poor performance squashed any hope he had of a promotion.
3. The boss squashed my idea immediately.
4. Someone had squashed all the ribbons together in one box.

Origin of SQUASH

alteration of Middle English squachen to crush, annul, from Anglo-French esquacher, from Old French es- ex- + quachier to hide from view, from Vulgar Latin *coacticare to press together — more at cache

First Known Use: 1565

Related to SQUASH

Synonyms: mash, pulp, crush

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 SQUASH

bosh, cosh, Foch, frosh, gosh, gouache, josh, mâche, mosh, nosh, posh, quash, slosh, swash, tosh, wash