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Meaning of Word

Crush can refer to several meanings, including the act of pressing something with force, feeling a strong emotional attraction, or experiencing a sudden and intense feeling of disappointment or defeat.

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To press something with great force, often causing it to break or change shape: This can refer to physical force applied to an object, such as crushing a can or crushing a fruit.
2. To feel an intense but typically short-lived romantic attraction toward someone: This is often used in the context of a “crush” on someone, where someone develops an infatuation or admiration for another person.
3. To defeat or overpower someone or something completely: This can refer to winning decisively in a competition, or overpowering an opponent or obstacle.
4. To experience emotional devastation or disappointment: Often used to describe a feeling of being deeply disappointed or hurt by something or someone.

History and Origin

The word “crush” originates from the Old French croissir (meaning “to break, crush”), which came from the Latin cruscare (meaning “to break”). It first appeared in English in the 14th century and initially referred to breaking or flattening something. Over time, it expanded to include emotional and metaphorical meanings related to feelings of attraction or emotional impact.

Detailed Explanation

“Crush” is a versatile word with different meanings depending on the context. In its physical sense, it refers to applying pressure to an object, often resulting in damage or deformation. In the emotional sense, it refers to a strong, usually short-lived, attraction or admiration for someone, often experienced in adolescence or early adulthood. The term can also be used in competitive contexts, where “crushing” an opponent means defeating them decisively. Additionally, “crushing” can describe an emotional state of devastation or overwhelming disappointment, particularly in response to failure or rejection.

Example Sentences

1. She accidentally crushed the can when she stepped on it.
2. He had a huge crush on his classmate but never told her.
3. The team crushed their rivals in the championship game.
4. The news of her failure crushed her spirit.
5. The heavy books crushed the paper beneath them.
6. His crush on her lasted only a few weeks before he moved on.
7. The mountain’s rocks were crushed under the intense pressure of the earth’s tectonic plates.
8. The company was crushed by the economic downturn and had to close.
9. After hearing the harsh criticism, she felt completely crushed.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Squash – To crush or flatten something with force.
2. Smash – To break something with great force or violence.
3. Flatten – To make something flat or level, often by applying pressure.
4. Mangle – To severely damage or distort something through crushing.
5. Wreck – To destroy or severely damage, especially by crushing or impact.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Squeeze – To press something tightly, often resulting in compression or crushing.
2. Crinkle – A sound or effect produced when something is crushed or folded.
3. Compaction – The act of pressing something tightly together, resulting in a denser form, similar to crushing.
4. Flattening – The process of making something flat or compressed, often by applying pressure.
5. Crushing Defeat – A term used to describe a complete or overwhelming loss, particularly in a competitive context.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Crush on Someone – A brief, intense feeling of attraction or infatuation toward someone.
2. Crushed Ice – Ice that has been broken into small pieces, often used in drinks or cooking.
3. Crushing Blow – A powerful, overwhelming blow, typically in a metaphorical or physical combat sense.
4. Crushing Weight – An overwhelming burden, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical.
5. Crush Test – A test or process used to determine how much pressure an object can withstand before being deformed or broken.

Antonyms

1. Build – To construct or form something, opposite of crushing.
2. Construct – To put together or assemble, in contrast to breaking or crushing.
3. Create – To make something new or original, opposite of destroying or crushing.
4. Heal – To recover from emotional or physical damage, opposite of being crushed.
5. Repair – To fix or restore something that has been damaged, opposite of crushing it.