squeeze English · revision 15154

+ {{infobox|confidence=probable|attested=16th century}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /skwiːz/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is probably an alteration of earlier quease, to press (about 1550).^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) This is [[inh|enm|quysen|t=to squeeze]], [[inh|ang|cwȳsan]], also [[m|ang|cwiesan]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(MWU 2024) a word of unknown origin,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(NODE 1998) perhaps imitative, compare [[de|quetschen|t=to squeeze]].^(Etymonline) Merriam-Webster relates it to [[is|kveisa|t=stomach cramps]].^(MWU 2024) It may also have been shaped by words of similar sound and sense such as [[squash]], [[squirt]] and [[squelch]].^(Etymonline) Hoad and the NODE give earlier forms squise and squize.^(Hoad 1986)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ To press forcibly: before 1601, as squease, in Barnhart; about 1600 in Etymonline.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) Hoad dates the earlier forms to the 16th century.^(Hoad 1986)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ To obtain by pressure is from the 1650s, and to force one's way into or through from the 1680s.^(Etymonline) The noun, an act of squeezing, is from 1611, in Cotgrave's Dictionary.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) A firm press of the hand in friendship is from 1736, a hug from 1790,^(OED 1989) a small amount squeezed out from 1761,^(OED 1989) and the press of a crowd from 1802.^(OED 1989) Figurative pressure is from 1711,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) financial pressure from 1872,^(OED 1989) and ''to put the squeeze on'', originally American, by 1902.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) A ''main squeeze'', the most important person, is attested from 1896, and as a sweetheart by 1980.^(Etymonline) The baseball ''squeeze play'' is so called by 1905, and the bridge squeeze from 1926.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * before 1601 – squease, to press.^(Barnhart 1988)

+ * 1611 – a squeeze (noun).^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1680s – to force one's way.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1736 – a press of the hand.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1872 – financial pressure.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1896 – main squeeze.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Verb===

+ # To press hard on or together; to [[compress]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To press something so as to extract liquid: ''to squeeze an orange''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To press gently, as in affection: ''he squeezed her hand''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To force into or through a confined space.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # To obtain by pressure or dishonest means; to [[extort]].^(AHD)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # An act of squeezing.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # An amount squeezed out.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # A handclasp or brief embrace.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # A crowd pressed together; a crush.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # Financial pressure caused by shortages or restricted credit.^(AHD)^(OED 1989)

+ # ''(informal)'' ''main squeeze'': a sweetheart or lover.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[squeezable]]

+ * [[squeezer]]

+ * [[squeezability]]

+ * [[squeezingly]]

+ * [[squeezebox]]

+ * [[squeeze off]]

+ * [[squeeze play]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[squash]]

+ * [[squish]]

+ * [[quash]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}