Main Entry:

¹squash

Pronunciation:

\ˈskwäsh, ˈskwȯsh\

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

1565

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