crush

crushverb

To crush is to press something so hard that it breaks or loses its shape, or to beat or upset someone completely.

1. presspress something so hard that it breaks, loses its shape, or is hurt

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj]

   • The box was crushed in the mail. V + obj (passive)
   • Crush the garlic with the side of a knife. V + obj
   • He crushed the empty can in his hand. V + obj
   • We were crushed against the doors of the crowded train. V + obj + prep + obj (of people pressed together)

   Collocations

   verb + noun crush garlic, crush ice, crush a can

   phrase be badly crushed, be crushed to death

   Synonyms squash

   Compare crash (Crash is for a vehicle hitting something.)

2. defeatbeat an enemy or another team completely, or end a protest by force

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj]

   • The army crushed the protest within a few days. V + obj
   • Our team was crushed six to nothing. V + obj (passive)
   • The government tried to crush all opposition. V + obj

   Collocations

   verb + noun crush a protest, crush the opposition, crush a rebellion

   Synonyms defeat

3. upsetmake someone lose all hope or feel very sad or disappointed

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • She was crushed when she didn't get the job. usually passive
   • The news crushed him. V + obj

   Collocations

   phrase be completely crushed, feel crushed