scrunch
UK: skrʌntʃ | US: skrʌntʃ
vt. to crush or crumple something into a compact mass
vi. to make a crunching or crackling sound
n. the act or sound of scrunching
The word "scrunch" is an expressive formation, likely imitative in origin, combining the idea of crushing or squeezing (suggested by "scr-," akin to "scrunch" or "scratch") with the sound or action suffix "-unch" (echoic of crunching or crackling noises). It emerged in the 19th century as a vivid, onomatopoeic term for both the action and sound of compacting or crumpling.
She scrunched the paper into a ball and tossed it away.
The dry leaves scrunched under our feet as we walked.
He scrunched his face in disapproval.
The fabric scrunches up easily if not stored properly.
I love the scrunch of fresh snow under boots.