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There are two quash verbs in the English language, and although their meanings are similar, they have entirely different origins. Both essentially mean to get rid of something—you can quash a rumor, for example, or you can quash a judicial order. The legal term quash (meaning "to nullify") comes from the Anglo-French words casser or quasser, meaning "to annul," and is ultimately from Latin cassus, "to void." The other quash means "to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely." It derives from the Middle English word quashen, meaning "to smash," and is ultimately from a form of the Latin verb quatere, meaning "to shake."
Examples of quash in a Sentence
Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
On Friday, the Sheriff’s Department sought to quash rumors that there was a divide between local and federal investigators, centered on the handling of evidence and which lab it should be sent to.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
In addition to asking that the subpoena be quashed, Wexner sought a protective order that would have barred plaintiffs from questioning him in the case.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Good & Gather Organic Chocolate Chips A few editors noted that these chocolate chips had a chalky appearance, and while that may have been initially unsettling, uncertainties were quashed when these morsels were tasted.
—Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quash
Cite this Entry
“Quash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quash. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
quash
2 of 2 verbVerb
Middle English quashen "to smash," from early French quasser, casser (same meaning), from Latin quassare "to shake violently, shatter," from quatere "to shake"
Verb
Middle English quashen "to nullify," from early French casser, quasser "to annul," from Latin cassare (same meaning), from earlier Latin cassus "void"
Legal Definition
quash
transitive verbTransitive verb
Anglo-French quasser, from Middle French casser, quasser, from Late Latin cassare, from Latin cassus void
