squeeze

Pronunciation

• IPA: /skwiːz/

Verb

squeeze (third-person singular simple present squeezes, present participle squeezing, simple past squeezed or (nonstandard) squoze, past participle squeezed or (nonstandard) squozen)

1. (transitive) To apply pressure to from two or more sides at once.
   • I squeezed the ball between my hands.
   • Please don't squeeze the toothpaste tube in the middle.
2. (transitive) To embrace closely; to give a tight hug to.
3. (transitive, intransitive) To fit into a tight place.
   • I managed to squeeze the car into that parking space.
   • Can you squeeze through that gap?
4. (transitive) To remove something with difficulty, or apparent difficulty.
   • He squeezed some money out of his wallet.
5. (transitive) To put in a difficult position by presenting two or more choices.
   • I'm being squeezed between my job and my volunteer work.
6. (transitive, figurative) To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass.
7. (transitive, baseball) To attempt to score a runner from third by bunting.
   • Jones squeezed in Smith with a perfect bunt.

Noun

squeeze (plural squeezes)

1. An instance of squeezing.
   • to give something a squeeze ― to squeeze something
2. A close or tight fit.
3. (figuratively) A difficult position.
   • I'm in a tight squeeze right now when it comes to my free time.
4. A hug or other affectionate grasp.
   • a gentle squeeze on the arm
5. (slang) A romantic partner.
   • I want to be your main squeeze.
6. (slang) An illicit alcoholic drink made by squeezing Sterno through cheesecloth, etc., and mixing the result with fruit juice.
7. (baseball) The act of bunting in an attempt to score a runner from third.
   • The game ended in exciting fashion with a failed squeeze.
8. (card games) A play that forces an opponent to discard a card that gives up one or more tricks.
9. (caving) A traversal of a narrow passage.
   • It was a tight squeeze, but I got through to the next section of the cave.
10. A moulding, cast or other impression of an object, chiefly a design, inscription etc., especially by pressing wet paper onto the surface and peeling off when dry.
11. (mining) The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata.
12. (dated) The situation experienced by a middleman when pressured from both sides, especially financially.
13. (dated) A bribe, fee, or extortionary price paid to a middleman, especially in China; the practice of requiring such a bribe or fee.