squash
crush or press flat
To press something hard so it becomes flat.
squash [something] (with/under/against [something])
- I accidentally squashed the sandwich in my bag.
- Don’t squash the flowers—carry them upright.
- The package got squashed during delivery.
- I squashed the paper into a ball.
- He squashed the bug.
a gourd-like vegetable
A kind of vegetable like zucchini or pumpkin.
(a) squash; [type] squash
- We roasted butternut squash with olive oil and herbs.
- This soup is made with squash and carrots.
- I bought a couple of squash at the market.
- I like squash soup.
- We cooked squash for dinner.
stop something from happening
To stop something before it grows or continues.
squash [a plan/rumor/rebellion/question]
- The company moved quickly to squash the rumors.
- The minister tried to squash criticism with a short statement.
- Police were accused of squashing peaceful protests.
- They squashed the plan.
- She tried to squash the rumor.
the racquet sport squash
A sport played in a closed court with racquets and a small ball.
play squash; a game of squash
- I play squash twice a week after work.
- They booked a squash court for Saturday morning.
- Her brother competes in local squash tournaments.
- We play squash on Fridays.
- He likes squash.
sweet fruit drink concentrate
A sweet fruit drink that you mix with water (UK).
(a) squash; [flavor] squash
- Do you want some blackcurrant squash with ice?
- She poured a little squash into the glass and topped it up with water.
- We keep squash in the cupboard for the kids.
- I drank orange squash.
- Mix the squash with water.
a crowded, cramped situation
An uncomfortable crowded situation.
a (bit of a) squash (in [place])
- It was a bit of a squash on the bus this morning.
- Getting everyone into the photo was a real squash.
- The bar was such a squash that we left early.
- The train was a squash.
- It was a bit of a squash.
fit tightly into a space
To get into a small space with difficulty.
squash into [place]; squash [someone/something] into [place]
- We squashed into the taxi with our luggage.
- They squashed five people onto the tiny sofa.
- I managed to squash my coat into the backpack.
- We squashed into the car.
- She squashed her clothes into the bag.
- Base: squash
- Plural: squash, squashes
- Base: squash
- 3rd Person Singular: squashes
- Present Participle: squashing
- Past: squashed
squash in
1crowd into a small space
To get in even though it is crowded.
- If you squash in, we can all fit in the back.
- He squashed in next to me on the crowded train.
- Two more people tried to squash in before the doors closed.
squash into
1force into a tight space
To fit into a space with difficulty.
- We squashed into the last row of seats.
- She squashed the last few books into the box.
- I squashed into the elevator just before the doors shut.
squash it
1stop it immediately
To stop something right away.
- There’s gossip going around—let’s squash it before it spreads.
- As soon as the argument started, she stepped in to squash it.
- If that idea won’t work, squash it and move on.
squash someone like a bug
1crush or defeat completely
To destroy or defeat very easily.
- With one step, he could have squashed the insect like a bug.
- The bigger company threatened to squash the startup like a bug.
- In the final, they squashed their opponents like bugs.
squash the beef
1end a conflict or feud
To end a serious argument or conflict and make peace.
- The two artists met in private to squash the beef.
- They finally squashed the beef and shook hands on stage.
squash the beef
1settle a conflict
To stop fighting and make peace.
- They finally met up to squash the beef after months of arguing.
- If you want to squash the beef, just apologize and move on.
- He called her to squash the beef before the event.
squash up
1move closer to make room
To move closer so others can fit.
- Can you squash up so I can sit down?
- We all squashed up at the end of the bench.
- The kids squashed up against the window to look outside.