squelch

¹squelch

verb \ˈskwelch\

Definition of SQUELCH

transitive verb

1

a : to fall or stamp on so as to crush

b (1) : to completely suppress : quell <squelch resistance> (2) : silence <squelched the protesters>

2

: to emit or move with a sucking sound

intransitive verb

1

: to emit a sucking sound

2

: to splash through water, slush, or mire

— squelch·er noun

Examples of SQUELCH

1. <immediately squelched any signs of rebellion>
2. <his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors>

Origin of SQUELCH

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1624

Related to SQUELCH

Synonyms

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, repress, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, quell, subdue, suppress

Related Words

douse (also dowse), extinguish, put out, quench; smother, stifle, strangle, throttle; annihilate, decimate, demolish, desolate, destroy, devastate, nuke, rub out, ruin, smash, waste, wreck; exterminate, obliterate, wipe out; conquer, dominate, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, subdue, subjugate, vanquish

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

Rhymes with SQUELCH

belch

²squelch

noun

Definition of SQUELCH

1

: a sound of or as if of semiliquid matter under suction <the squelch of mud>

2

: the act of suppressing; especially : a retort that silences an opponent

— squelchy adjective

First Known Use of SQUELCH

1895