Crush

Definition

Crush refers to the act of applying pressure to something until it is broken, flattened, or destroyed. It can also refer to an intense, often short-lived, romantic infatuation with someone. Additionally, it can describe a large crowd of people in a confined space.

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /krʌʃ/
• Respelling: krush

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /krʌʃ/
• Respelling: krush

The pronunciation of "crush" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "crush" originates from Old French "croissir," meaning "to break or destroy." The term is derived from the Latin "crusare," meaning "to strike down or break." It entered the English language in the 14th century and has since evolved to include both literal and figurative meanings.

Derivatives

• Crushing (adjective)
• Crushed (adjective)
• Crusher (noun)
• Crushable (adjective)
• Crushingly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Squash
• Compress
• Flatten

Antonyms

• Expand
• Release
• Build

Usage

The term "crush" is used in various contexts. It can describe the physical action of pressing something with force until it breaks or deforms, such as crushing a can. In emotional contexts, it refers to a fleeting or intense infatuation, often romantic. The word is also used to describe large crowds or gatherings, where people are tightly packed together. In industrial settings, it refers to machines that crush materials.

Related Terms

• Infatuation: An intense but short-lived admiration or love for someone.
• Compaction: The process of applying force to reduce the volume of materials.
• Flatten: To make something smooth or flat by applying pressure.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To press something so hard that it is broken or deformed: Refers to the physical action of applying force until something collapses or changes shape.
  • Example: "He crushed the can with his hands."
• To overwhelm or subdue completely: Describes the act of defeating or overpowering someone or something.
  • Example: "The team crushed their opponents in the final match."
• To have a brief, intense romantic attraction to someone: Refers to emotional infatuation, often in a casual or temporary sense.
  • Example: "She has a huge crush on her coworker."

Noun

• A strong but fleeting infatuation: Describes an intense, short-term romantic attraction to someone.
  • Example: "He confessed his crush to her last week."
• A large crowd of people in a confined space: Refers to a gathering where people are packed closely together.
  • Example: "The subway was filled with a crush of commuters during rush hour."