C1verbinformal1K

Crush

UK /["/krʌʃ/","/ˈkrʌʃɪz/","/krʌʃt/","/ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/krʌʃ/","/ˈkrʌʃɪz/","/krʌʃt/","/ˈkrʌʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to press something so hard that it is damaged or loses its shape; to press somebody so hard that they are injured

In simple words: A strong feeling of love or attraction to someone, usually not very serious.

Examples

  • The heavy machinery will crush the old concrete walls quickly.
  • She managed to crush her opponents in the chess tournament.
  • A strong desire began to crush all other emotions inside him.
  • The police were determined to crush the rebellion before it spread further.
  • Be careful not to crush the fragile flowers when you pick them.
  • He had a huge crush on his classmate but never told her.
  • The children’s candies had been crushed in his backpack.
  • The company aimed to crush its competitors by lowering prices dramatically.

Usage notes

Used mostly among younger people or in casual conversations. Usually not appropriate in formal settings. It describes infatuation rather than deep love.

Grammar pattern

have + crush + (on someone)

Memory hint

Think of a 'crushed' heart when someone is secretly in love.

Collocations

  • slightly
  • almost
  • nearly
  • against
  • beneath
  • under
  • be crushed
  • get crushed
  • crush somebody to death
  • slightly
  • almost
  • nearly
  • against
  • beneath
  • under
  • be crushed
  • get crushed
  • crush somebody to death

Synonyms

  • put down, quash
  • smash it

Antonyms

  • release
  • free
  • save
  • preserve

Common mistakes

  • Saying 'I have a crush in her' instead of 'on her'.
  • Confusing 'crush' with 'like' as they can vary in intensity.
  • Using it in formal situations where a more serious term should be used.