verb

quash

kwosh

Quash (verb) means to officially cancel or reject a legal decision, charge, or order. Example: “The appeals court quashed the conviction.”

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verb

To officially cancel or reject a legal decision, charge, or order.

"The appeals court quashed the conviction."

"A judge quashed the subpoena on procedural grounds."

To forcefully put an end to something, such as a rebellion or rumor.

"The government moved quickly to quash the uprising."

"She quashed the rumors with a single tweet."

How to use quash

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo officially cancel something, or to forcefully stop it.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "squash," which means to physically crush something flat; quash is about stopping or canceling, usually in a legal or authoritative sense.

Easily confused with

squash →

Common pairings

quash a conviction quash rumors quash a rebellion

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

quashed past tense, quashes singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The appeals court _____ the conviction.

Etymology

From Old French quasser, from Latin quatere, "to shake," blended with Latin cassare, "to annul."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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avoid reduce void annul subdue repress subjugate nullify keep down invalidate

Related words

life stay lower increase contract master avoid exist

Rhymes for quash

squash

See all rhymes for quash →

Frequently asked questions

What does “quash” mean?

The word “quash” means to officially cancel or reject a legal decision, charge, or order. In plain terms, to officially cancel something, or to forcefully stop it.

How do you pronounce “quash”?

“Quash” is pronounced kwosh (/kwɑʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “quash” in a sentence?

Here is “quash” used in a sentence: “The appeals court quashed the conviction.”

What part of speech is “quash”?

“Quash” is a verb.

Where does the word “quash” come from?

The word “quash” comes from Latin. From Old French quasser, from Latin quatere, "to shake," blended with Latin cassare, "to annul.".

How many meanings does “quash” have?

“Quash” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to officially cancel or reject a legal decision, charge, or order.

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