First Known Use: circa 1601
Dictionary
1squeeze
verb \ˈskwēz\
: to press together the parts and especially the opposite sides of (something)
: to get or remove (something) by squeezing something
: to pull back on (a gun's trigger) with your finger
squeezedsqueez·ing
Full Definition of SQUEEZE
transitive verb
1
a : to exert pressure especially on opposite sides of : compress b : to extract or emit under pressure c : to force or thrust by compression
2
a (1) : to get by extortion (2) : to deprive by extortion b : to cause economic hardship to c : to reduce the amount of <squeezes profits>
3
: to crowd into a limited area
4
: to gain or win by a narrow margin
5
: to force (another player) to discard in bridge so as to unguard a suit
6
: to score by means of a squeeze play
intransitive verb
1
: to give way before pressure
2
: to exert pressure; also : to practice extortion or oppression
3
: to force one's way <squeeze through a door>
4
: to pass, win, or get by narrowly
— squeez·abil·i·ty \ˌskwē-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
— squeez·able \ˈskwē-zə-bəl\ adjective
— squeez·er noun
See squeeze defined for English-language learners
See squeeze defined for kids
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Origin of SQUEEZE
alteration of obsolete English quease, from Middle English queysen, from Old English cwȳsan; akin to Icelandic kveisa stomach cramps
Related to SQUEEZE
- Antonyms
- decompress, expand, open, outspread, outstretch
2squeeze
noun
: a situation in which people or things are crowded together
: an act of squeezing something
: a small amount that is gotten or removed from something (such as a piece of fruit) by squeezing it
Full Definition of SQUEEZE
1
a : an act or instance of squeezing : compression b : handclasp; also : embrace
2
3
: a profit taken by a middleman on goods or transactions
4
: a financial pressure caused by narrowing margins or by shortages
5
: a forced discard in bridge
6
7
slang : a romantic partner <she's my main squeeze>
See squeeze defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SQUEEZE
1611
Related to SQUEEZE
- Synonyms
- compacting, compaction, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, contraction, compression, squeezing, telescoping
- Antonyms
- decompression, expansion
SQUEEZING Defined for Kids
1squeeze
verb \ˈskwēz\
squeezedsqueez·ing
Definition of SQUEEZE for Kids
1
: to press together from the opposite sides or parts of : compress
2
: to get by squeezing <Squeeze the juice from a lemon.>
3
: to force or crowd in by compressing <We squeezed into the car.>
2squeeze
noun
Definition of SQUEEZE for Kids
: an act or instance of compressing
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