cram
UK: /kræm/ | US: /kræm/
vt. to force something into a space that is too small
vt. to study intensively for an exam in a short time
vi. to eat food quickly and greedily
The word "cram" traces back to Old English crammian, meaning "to press, squeeze, or pack tightly." It is related to Proto-Germanic *kram-/*krem-, conveying force or compression. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include intensive studying (as if "packing" knowledge into the mind) and rapid eating (as if "forcing" food down). The word retains its core sense of forceful crowding in all modern usages.
She tried to cram all her clothes into the small suitcase.
He had to cram for the final exam the night before.
The students crammed into the tiny classroom.
Don’t cram your mouth with food—it’s impolite.
The bus was so full that passengers were crammed against the doors.