Squash

/skwɒʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
a type of vegetable that belongs to the gourd family, typically characterized by a thick skin.
I made a delicious soup using butternut squash.
a game played by two or four players in a four-walled court, using rackets to hit a small rubber ball.
She plays squash every Tuesday with her friends at the club.
verb
to crush or squeeze (something) with force so that it becomes flat, soft, or out of shape.
He squashed the empty can before throwing it in the recycling bin.
to put an end to something, suppress or forcefully eliminate.
The manager squashed any rumors of layoffs during the meeting.

Etymology

Middle English 'squashen', from the Old French 'esquasher', meaning to crush.

Common Phrases and Expressions

squash it
to put an end to something
squash game
a game of squash
squash the competition
to defeat rivals severely

Related Words

squasher
an object or tool used to squash something
squash court
the enclosed court where squash is played
squash blossom
the flower of the squash plant

Slang Meanings

To squash someone’s hopes
He really squashed her dreams when he said she couldn’t be a star.
When something is out of style
Those shoes are so last season, they’re totally squashed.