Crush
/krʌʃ/noun
To press or squeeze something so hard that it breaks, flattens, or is destroyed; also, to defeat or suppress completely.
Did you know?The verb traces back to Old French *croissir/cruser* and late Latin *crusare*, tied to the idea of breaking or shattering under force, which is why it can describe both physical destruction and emotional devastation.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
LL
crusare
“to break, crush”
Old French
OF
cruser / cruissir
“to break, shatter, or crush”
Middle English
ME
cruschen
“to crush, bruise, or pound”
Modern English
EN
crush
“to press or squeeze forcefully until damaged or destroyed”