Main Entry: ¹squeeze

Pronunciation: \ˈskwēz\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): squeezed; squeez·ing

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

Date: circa 1601

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 playintransitive 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