A squeeze is when something is pressed tightly or forced into a small space.
When we use the word 'squeeze', we usually mean that something is being squished or fitted into a tight spot, often without much room to spare. For example, if you're trying to fit all your groceries into a tiny shopping cart at the market, you might be doing some squeezing. You could also squeeze yourself into a tight seat on public transportation during rush hour. In these situations, we use 'squeeze' to describe the act of making something or someone fit into an uncomfortably small space.
How common is "squeeze"?
Word squeeze is considered uncommon in modern English. It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
noun
A close or tight fit.
A difficult position.
Example: I'm in a tight squeeze right now when it comes to my free time.
A hug or other affectionate grasp.
Example: a gentle squeeze on the arm
A romantic partner.
Example: I want to be your main squeeze.
An illicit alcoholic drink made by squeezing Sterno through cheesecloth, etc., and mixing the result with fruit juice.
The act of bunting in an attempt to score a runner from third.
Example: The game ended in exciting fashion with a failed squeeze.
A play that forces an opponent to discard a card that gives up one or more tricks.
A traversal of a narrow passage.
Example: It was a tight squeeze, but I got through to the next section of the cave.
(epigraphy) An impression of an inscription formed by pressing wet paper onto the surface and peeling off when dry.
Example: The light not being good enough for photography, I took a squeeze of the stone.
The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata.
A bribe or fee paid to a middleman, especially in China; the practice of requiring such a bribe or fee.
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verb
To apply pressure to from two or more sides at once.
Example: I squeezed the ball between my hands.
To embrace closely; to give a tight hug to.
To fit into a tight place.
Example: Can you squeeze through that gap?
To remove something with difficulty, or apparent difficulty.
Example: He squeezed some money out of his wallet.
To put in a difficult position by presenting two or more choices.
Example: I'm being squeezed between my job and my volunteer work.
To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass.
To attempt to score a runner from third by bunting.
Example: Jones squeezed in Smith with a perfect bunt.
