squeeze

squeeze [skwēz]

vt.

squeezed, squeezing [intens. of ME queisen < OE cwysan, to squeeze, dash against, bruise, akin to Goth quistjan, to destroy < IE base * gweye-, to overpower > Sans jināti, (he) conquers]

1. to press hard or closely; exert pressure on, esp. from two or more sides; compress

2.

a) to press in order to extract liquid, juice, etc. [to squeeze oranges]

b) to get, bring forth, or extract by pressure [to squeeze water from a sponge]

3. to force (into, out, through, etc.) by or as by pressing

4. to get, extract, or extort by force or unfair means

5. to oppress with exactions, burdensome taxes, etc.

6. to put pressure or bring influence to bear upon (someone) to do a certain thing, as to pay money, etc.

7. to embrace closely; hug

☆ 8. Baseball to score (a run) or cause (a runner) to score by a squeeze play

☆ 9. Bridge to force (an opponent) to discard a potentially winning card

vi.

1. to yield or give way to pressure [a wet sponge squeezes easily]

2. to exert pressure

3. to force one's way by pushing or pressing (in, out, through, etc.)

n.

1. a squeezing or being squeezed; hard or close pressure

2.

a) a close embrace; hug

b) a firm pressing or grasping of another's hand in one's own

3. the state of being closely pressed or packed; crush

4. a period or situation marked by scarcity, hardship, insecurity, etc.

5. a facsimile impression made by pressing a soft substance onto something, as a coin or inscription

6. a quantity of something extracted by squeezing

7. Informal pressure or influence brought to bear, as in extortion: used esp. in the phrase ☆ put the squeeze on

☆ 8. short for SQUEEZE PLAY

9. Slang a sweetheart or lover: used esp. in the expression main squeeze

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squeeze through or squeeze by

Informal to succeed, survive, get through, etc. by a narrow margin or with difficulty

squeezable

adj.

squeezer

n.