crush
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for crush, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To squeeze or press something so hard that its shape or structure is destroyed.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use crush
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French croissir ("to crush, smash"), tracing back through Latin and Germanic roots meaning to grind or strike violently.
Full origin of crush →Frequently asked questions
What does “crush” mean?
The word “crush” means to squeeze or press something so hard that its shape or structure is destroyed. In plain terms, physically squashing something, decisively beating an opponent, or having strong romantic feelings for someone.
How do you pronounce “crush”?
“Crush” is pronounced kruhsh (/kɹʌʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crush” in a sentence?
Here is “crush” used in a sentence: “The falling branch crushed the garden fence.”
What is another word for “crush”?
Words with a similar meaning to “crush” include pulverise, slay at, kill and ace.
What part of speech is “crush”?
Depending on how it is used, “crush” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “crush” come from?
The word “crush” comes from Latin. From Old French croissir ("to crush, smash"), tracing back through Latin and Germanic roots meaning to grind or strike violently.
Is “crush” a common word?
“Crush” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “crush” have?
“Crush” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to squeeze or press something so hard that its shape or structure is destroyed.
What is the difference between 'crush' and 'squash'?
Both mean to press something out of shape. 'Crush' suggests pressing so hard that the object's structure is destroyed, often with force. 'Squash' can be gentler, meaning to press something flat or into a smaller space, and does not always imply total destruction.
What is the difference between 'crush' and 'grind'?
To crush is to press or squeeze something so hard that its shape or structure breaks down. To grind is to reduce something to small particles or powder by rubbing it between hard surfaces. Crushing breaks things by pressure, grinding wears them down by friction.
What is the difference between 'crush' and 'smash'?
'Crush' emphasizes destroying something by squeezing or pressing it hard. 'Smash' emphasizes breaking something by a sudden, violent blow or impact. You crush a can by squeezing it, but you smash a plate by hitting or dropping it.