squirt

UK: /skwɜːt/ | US: /skwɜːrt/

Definition

  1. v. to force out liquid in a thin, fast stream

  2. n. a small, quick stream of liquid

  3. n. (informal) a small or insignificant person

Structure
squ <forceful movement>irt <liquid ejection>squ <forceful movement>irt <liquid ejection>
Etymology

squirt = squ<forceful movement> + irt<liquid ejection>

  • squ<forceful movement>: Imitative origin, suggesting sudden or forceful motion (cf. "squash," "squeeze").
  • irt<liquid ejection>: Likely an extension of the imitative sound of liquid being expelled.

Etymology Origin:
"Squirt" is an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the sound of liquid being forcefully ejected (e.g., "squ-" for abrupt pressure and "-irt" for the resulting spray). It emerged in Middle English (c. 1400s) to describe both the action and the sound of spurting. Over time, it gained figurative uses, such as referring to a small or youthful person (19th century).

Examples

  1. She used a syringe to squirt water onto the plants.

  2. A sudden squirt of ketchup stained his shirt.

  3. (Informal) Don’t listen to him—he’s just a squirt with no experience.

  4. The lemon squirted juice into my eye when I squeezed it.

  5. The fountain squirted water high into the air.