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squeeze

verb · noun

Simple meaning

To embrace closely.

Pronunciation

Say it like this:

skweez
US device voice
IPA pronunciation (US)

ˈskwiz

This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.

Word Review

Definition

Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.

verb

  1. transitive

    To embrace closely; to give a tight hug to.

  2. transitive

    To apply pressure to from two or more sides at once.

  3. ambitransitive

    To fit into a tight place.

  4. transitive

    To put in a difficult position by presenting two or more choices.

  5. transitive

    To remove something with difficulty, or apparent difficulty.

  6. transitivefigurative

    To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass.

noun

  1. An instance of squeezing.

  2. A close or tight fit.

  3. A hug or other affectionate grasp.

  4. figuratively

    A difficult position.

  5. A moulding, cast or other impression of an object, chiefly a design, inscription etc., especially by pressing wet paper onto the surface and peeling off when dry.

Word at a Glance

Difficulty
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Moderately Common
Typical Use
Neutral / general English

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More ways to use squeeze

  • “I squeezed myself into the corner.”verb

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Common Patterns and Combinations

How this word naturally appears with others.

credit squeezesqueeze throughprice squeezeprofit squeezegently squeeze

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Word Family

Related forms, grouped by how they connect.

Inflected forms

Grammatical variations of the same word.

  • squeezingnounInflected form

    The act of gripping and pressing firmly.

Compound terms

Established multiword terms.

  • squeeze outverbCompound term

    Force out.

  • squeeze playnounCompound term

    An aggressive attempt to compel acquiescence by the concentration or manipulation of power.

  • squeeze forverbCompound term

    Squeeze someone for money, information, etc.

  • squeeze boxnounCompound term

    A portable box-shaped free-reed instrument.

  • squeeze byverbCompound term

    Manage one's existence barely.

  • suicide squeezenounCompound term

    The runner on third base starts home as the pitcher delivers the ball.

More about this wordSynonyms, forms, origin

Synonyms

verb

Sense: to embrace closely

crushcompresspinchwringsquashpressthrust

noun

Sense: instance of squeezing

squeeze playRare

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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.