squash1

verb

• 1crush or squeeze (something) with force so that it becomes flat, soft, or out of shape:wash and squash the cans before depositing them (as adjective squashed)a squashed packet of cigarettes
• [with object and adverbial] squeeze or force into a small or restricted space:she squashed some of her clothes inside the bag
• [no object, with adverbial of direction] make one’s way into a small or restricted space:I squashed into the middle of the crowd

• 2suppress or subdue (a feeling or action):the mournful sound did nothing to squash her high spirits
• firmly reject (an idea or suggestion):the proposal was immediately squashed by the Heritage Department
• silence or discomfit (someone), typically by making a humiliating remark:she needled him with such venom that Seb was visibly squashed

noun

• 1 [in singular] a state of being squeezed or forced into a small or restricted space:it was a bit of a squash but he didn’t seem to mind
• [count noun] dated a social gathering or informal meeting:a poetry squash in London

• 2 [mass noun] British a concentrated liquid made from fruit juice and sugar, which is diluted to make a drink:orange squash

• 3 (also squash rackets) [mass noun] a game in which two players use rackets to hit a small, soft rubber ball against the walls of a closed court: [as modifier]:a squash club

• 4 Biology a preparation of softened tissue that has been made thin for microscopic examination by gently compressing or tapping it.