Meaning & Definition of word "Squeeze"

Squeeze

/skwiːz/

noun:

  • 1. The act of squeezing; a compression or tight grip.
    • Example: With a gentle squeeze, she made the sponge release the water.
  • 2. A feeling of pressure or stress.
    • Example: There was a squeeze on his time as deadlines neared.

verb:

  • 1. To apply pressure to something, typically in order to extract liquid from it or to compress it.
    • Example: She squeezed the juice from the oranges into a pitcher.
  • 2. To force something out by applying pressure.
    • Example: He squeezed through the crowd to reach the front of the stage.
  • 3. To press or grip tightly.
    • Example: She squeezed his hand in reassurance.

Etymology

Middle English 'squisen', from Old French 'esquiser', of unknown origin

Common Phrases and Expressions

squeeze in:

To manage to fit something into a limited space or time.

squeeze out:

To extract something by applying pressure.

squeeze the juice out of:

To get the most useful or valuable part from something.

Related Words

compression:

The act of pressing something together.

pressure:

The continuous physical force exerted on or against an object.

constriction:

The act of making something narrower or tighter.

Slang Meanings of squeeze

Meaning: To obtain or gather something through pressure or persuasion.

Example Sentence: He managed to squeeze some extra cash out of his parents.

Meaning: To be in a relationship with someone, often implying closeness.

Example Sentence: She’s his squeeze.