C1verb2K

Squeeze

UK /["/skwiːz/","/ˈskwiːzɪz/","/skwiːzd/","/ˈskwiːzɪŋ/"]/US /["/skwiːz/","/ˈskwiːzɪz/","/skwiːzd/","/ˈskwiːzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to press something, especially with your fingers

In simple words: To press something firmly to make it smaller or get liquid out.

Examples

  • She had to squeeze the lemon to get fresh juice.
  • He managed to squeeze through the narrow gap in the fence.
  • You need to squeeze the handle firmly to operate the machine.
  • They had to squeeze a lot of information into a short presentation.
  • I had to squeeze myself into the crowded elevator.
  • The company tried to squeeze more profit out of the deal.
  • She gave him a quick squeeze on the arm as a sign of encouragement.
  • The tight schedule forced them to squeeze in an extra meeting.

Usage notes

Use 'squeeze' when discussing pressing objects, such as fruit for juice. It's common in both casual and formal contexts. Avoid using it in very technical or specialized discussions unrelated to physical pressing.

Grammar pattern

squeeze + object

Memory hint

Think of 'squeeze' as 'squeezing' juice from a lemon.

Collocations

  • hard
  • tightly
  • gently
  • from
  • out of
  • freshly squeezed
  • hard
  • tightly
  • gently
  • from
  • out of
  • freshly squeezed
  • hard

Synonyms

  • press
  • compact
  • squash
  • extract
  • compress

Antonyms

  • release
  • loosen

Common mistakes

  • 'Squeeze' is occasionally confused with 'crush,' which implies more force.
  • Some learners forget to use an object after 'squeeze'.
  • 'Squeeze' is sometimes incorrectly used in a non-physical sense.