verb
squelch
SKWEHLCH
Squelch (verb) means to suppress or put a stop to something firmly, often suddenly. Example: “The manager quickly squelched the rumour before it spread.”
verb
1
To suppress or put a stop to something firmly, often suddenly.
"The manager quickly squelched the rumour before it spread."
2
To make a wet, sucking sound, as when walking through mud.
"His boots squelched with every step across the muddy field."
noun
1
A wet, sucking sound.
"You could hear the squelch of her wellies in the bog."
How to use squelch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo crush a rumour or plan firmly, or the squishy sound of walking through mud.
Common pairings
squelch a rumour
squelch through mud
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Word forms
- Plural
- squelches
- Third person singular
- squelches
- Past tense
- squelched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The manager quickly _____ the rumour before it spread.
Etymology
Origin unknown, possibly a blend of squash, quell, and quench.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “squelch” mean?
The word “squelch” means to suppress or put a stop to something firmly, often suddenly. In plain terms, to crush a rumour or plan firmly, or the squishy sound of walking through mud.
How do you pronounce “squelch”?
“Squelch” is pronounced SKWEHLCH (/ˈskwɛlt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “squelch” in a sentence?
Here is “squelch” used in a sentence: “The manager quickly squelched the rumour before it spread.”
What part of speech is “squelch”?
Depending on how it is used, “squelch” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “squelch” have?
“Squelch” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to suppress or put a stop to something firmly, often suddenly.
