verb
crush
kruhsh
verb
1
To squeeze or press something so hard that its shape or structure is destroyed.
"The falling branch crushed the garden fence."
"She crushed the garlic clove with the flat of the knife."
2
To defeat someone or something completely and forcefully.
"The home team crushed their rivals 6-0."
noun
1
A strong but usually short-lived romantic infatuation, or the person it is directed at.
"He's had a crush on his neighbour since they met last summer."
2
A dense, uncomfortable crowd of people.
"There was a real crush by the exits when the concert ended."
How to Use Crush
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPhysically squashing something, decisively beating an opponent, or having strong romantic feelings for someone.
Common mistake
A "crush" (infatuation) is not the same as being in love — it usually implies a lighter, often short-term or one-sided attraction.
Common pairings
have a crush on
crush the competition
crush of people
Word Forms
crushed past tense, crushes plural, crushes singular
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The falling branch _____ the garden fence.
Etymology
From Old French croissir ("to crush, smash"), tracing back through Latin and Germanic roots meaning to grind or strike violently.