squash
UK: /skwɒʃ/ | US: /skwɑːʃ/
v. to crush or squeeze something into a flat or soft mass
n. a game played in an enclosed court with rackets and a small rubber ball
n. a type of edible gourd or its flesh
The word "squash" originates from the Old French "esquasser" (to crush), derived from Vulgar Latin exquassare, combining Latin "ex-" (thoroughly) and "quassare" (to shake, break). The vegetable sense comes from Narragansett (Algonquian) "askutasquash" (eaten raw), adapted by English colonists. The sports term emerged separately in the 19th century, possibly imitative of the ball's sound.
She accidentally squashed her sandwich in her bag.
We play squash every Thursday at the gym.
Butternut squash soup is perfect for autumn.
He squashed the bug with his shoe.
The team trained hard for the squash tournament.