mashed
UK: mæʃt | US: mæʃt
adj. crushed or beaten into a soft, pulpy mass
vt. (past tense of "mash") pressed or ground into a soft, uniform consistency
The word "mashed" originates from the Middle English "maschen," meaning "to crush or soften." The root "mash" traces back to Old English mǣsc, likely influenced by Proto-Germanic maisk- (mixed or softened matter). The suffix "-ed" marks it as a past participle, indicating the state of being crushed. The term evolved from describing physical crushing (e.g., grains for brewing) to broader culinary contexts (e.g., "mashed potatoes").
She mashed the avocados to make guacamole.
The potatoes were perfectly mashed and creamy.
He mashed the garlic with a mortar and pestle.
The recipe calls for mashed bananas as a binding agent.
The crowd mashed against the barriers during the concert.