Squash is both a noun and a verb.
verb [with object]
- crush or squeeze (something) with force so that it becomes flat, soft, or out of shape
Example: wash and squash the cans for the recycling bin. - squeeze or force (someone or something) into a small or restricted space
Example: she squashed some of her clothes inside the bag.
verb [no object]
- make one’s way into a small or restricted space
Example: I squashed into the middle of the crowd. - suppress, stifle, or subdue (a feeling, conjecture, or action)
Example: the mournful sound did nothing to squash her high spirits. - firmly reject (an idea or suggestion)
Example: the proposal was immediately squashed by the Historical Society.
noun
- a state of being squeezed or forced into a small or restricted space
Example: it was a tight squash but he didn’t seem to mind. - an edible gourd, the flesh of which may be cooked and eaten as a vegetable
Example: Pumpkin pie is made using the pumpkin gourd. - a game in which two players use rackets to hit a small, soft rubber ball against the walls of a closed court
Example: The game of squash was created in England.
(from the New Oxford American Dictionary online)
Fun things to do
Fill in the blanks on the story below using either the words squash or squashed based on the verb and noun definitions listed above.
Willie and Millie are excited about Thanksgiving.
“Yippee. Besides all the great food, we get several days of vacation from school,” Millie said.
“We’re going to need the time off, since our teachers ___________ so many tests and assignments into the beginning of that week,” Willie groaned.
“I know. All my papers are due Wednesday. They’ll be _____________ in my backpack. But I’m not going to let that _____________ my excitement. What does your family serve on Thanksgiving?”
“We have turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and baked ______________. A bunch of relatives come over and we’re all ________________ around the table like sardines.”
“We have mostly the same foods. Sometimes my mom says she wants to cook totally different foods, but we always _____________ that idea.”
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