squeeze (skw z)v. squeezed, squeez·ing, squeez·es v.tr.1. To press hard on or together; compress. 2. To press gently, as in affection: squeezed her hand. 3. To exert pressure on, as by way of extracting liquid: squeeze an orange. 4. To extract by or as if by applying pressure: squeeze juice from a lemon; squeezed a confession out of a suspect. 5. To extract by dishonest means; extort. 6. To pressure or intimidate (someone) to comply with a demand, as to make an extortion payment. 7. To obtain room for by pressure; cram: squeezed her books into the briefcase. 8. To manage to find time or space for. 9. Games To force (an opponent) to use a potentially winning card in a trick he or she cannot take in bridge. 10. Baseball To cause (a run or base runner) to score on a squeeze play. v.intr.1. To give way under pressure. 2. To exert pressure. 3. To force one's way: squeeze through a crowd; squeeze into a tight space. n.1. The act or an instance of squeezing. 2. An amount squeezed out: a squeeze of lemon. 3. A handclasp or brief embrace. 4. A group crowded together; a crush. 5. Informal A squeeze play. 6. Financial pressure caused by shortages or narrowing economic margins. 7. Pressure or intimidation to comply with a demand, as to make an extortion payment. 8. Games A forced discard of a potentially winning card in bridge. 9. Slang One's primary romantic partner or sweetheart. Phrasal Verbs: squeeze off To fire (a round of bullets) by squeezing the trigger. squeeze through/by To manage narrowly to pass, win, or survive.
[Probably alteration of obsolete quease, to press, from Middle English queisen, from Old English cw san.]
squeez a·ble adj. squeez er n. |