squelch

1 of 2

verb

ˈskwelch 

squelched; squelching; squelches

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

squelcher noun

squelch

2 of 2

noun

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

ˈskwel-chē 

adjective

Synonyms of squelch

Verb

• suppress
• quell
• subdue
• repress

Examples of squelch in a Sentence

Verb

immediately squelched any signs of rebellion

his irritated glare squelched any other potential objectors

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

This also squelches any storm activity, and heat domes can act like detour signs in the atmosphere, rerouting storms around them. —Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

The other 32 states plan to continue trying to convince a jury that Live Nation Entertainment and its ticketing subsidiary, Ticketmaster, are squelching competition and driving up prices for fans. —Larry Neumeister, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

Noun

Ritchie’s raps feel pointed and specific, and even the flashier moments—electronic squelches that burst and break like an Arca production—pack a harder punch in their containment. —Benny Sun, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026

Suddenly, however, there’s a loud squelch: Myung-gi has shoved a fork up into the flesh under Thanos’s jaw. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb

1624, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for squelch

• belch
• welsh

Kids Definition

squelch

1 of 2 noun

ˈskwelch 

1

: a sound of or as if of a squishy substance under suction

the squelch of mud

2

: a remark that silences an opponent

squelch

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to fall or stamp on so as to crush

b

: to put an end to by force : quell, silence

2

: to make or cause to make a sucking sound

3

: to splash through water, slush, or mire

squelcher noun