squeeze

¹squeeze

verb \ˈskwēz\

squeezedsqueez·ing

Definition of SQUEEZE

transitive verb

1

a : to exert pressure especially on opposite sides of : compress

b : to extract or emit under pressure

c : to force or thrust by compression

2

a (1) : to get by extortion (2) : to deprive by extortion

b : to cause economic hardship to

c : to reduce the amount of <squeezes profits>

3

: to crowd into a limited area

4

: to gain or win by a narrow margin

5

: to force (another player) to discard in bridge so as to unguard a suit

6

: to score by means of a squeeze play

intransitive verb

1

: to give way before pressure

2

: to exert pressure; also : to practice extortion or oppression

3

: to force one's way <squeeze through a door>

4

: to pass, win, or get by narrowly

— squeez·abil·i·ty \ˌskwē-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— squeez·able \ˈskwē-zə-bəl\ adjective

— squeez·er noun

Examples of SQUEEZE

1. He lightly squeezed her hand and smiled.
2. Gently squeeze the fruit to see if it's ripe.
3. Hold it securely but don't squeeze too hard.
4. He squeezed the juice from the orange.

Origin of SQUEEZE

alteration of obsolete English quease, from Middle English queysen, from Old English cwȳsan; akin to Icelandic kveisa stomach cramps

First Known Use: circa 1601

Related to SQUEEZE

Synonyms

crush, express, mash, ²press

Antonyms

decompress, expand, open, outspread, outstretch

Related Words

ream; pulp, puree (or purée); extract, extrude

Near Antonyms

dilate, disperse, dissipate, scatter; distend, inflate, swell

²squeeze

noun

Definition of SQUEEZE

1

a : an act or instance of squeezing : compression

b : handclasp; also : embrace

2

a : a quantity squeezed out from something <a squeeze of lemon>

b : a group crowded together : crowd

3

: a profit taken by a middleman on goods or transactions

4

: a financial pressure caused by narrowing margins or by shortages

5

: a forced discard in bridge

6

: squeeze play

7

slang : a romantic partner <she's my main squeeze>

Examples of SQUEEZE

1. Fifty guests will be a bit of a squeeze.
2. It'll be a tight squeeze, but we can all fit.

First Known Use of SQUEEZE

1611

Related to SQUEEZE

Synonyms

compacting, compaction, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, contraction, compression, squeezing, telescoping

Antonyms

decompression, expansion

Related Words

abbreviation, abridgment (or abridgement), curtailment, shortening; concentration, consolidation; simplification, streamlining; decreasing, diminishment, lessening

Near Antonyms

dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering; distension (or distention), inflation, swelling