Crush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
crush
[krสส ]
Definitions
romantic feelings
A romantic infatuation or strong feeling of admiration for someone, often accompanied by a desire for a romantic or sexual relationship.
Synonyms
admiration, attraction, infatuation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crush |
Usually used to refer to a fleeting, intense, and often immature romantic feeling towards someone. It is common among teenagers and young adults.
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| infatuation |
Indicates an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. It often suggests irrationality and a lack of long-term potential.
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| attraction |
Describes a feeling of being drawn to someone or something because of perceived desirable qualities. This term can be used in romantic situations but also in terms of interest in objects or activities.
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| admiration |
Refers to a deep respect and warm approval for someone or something. This can be used in both romantic and non-romantic situations and does not necessarily imply a desire for a relationship.
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Examples of usage
- She has a crush on her coworker.
- He finally worked up the courage to ask his crush out on a date.
physical force
A force or pressure that destroys or deforms something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crush |
A repeat of the first word. Commonly used to describe an emotional attraction towards someone or the act of breaking something into pieces.
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| pressure |
Describes the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. Also used metaphorically to describe stress or demands in various situations.
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| force |
Used to describe physical strength or power exerted on an object or situation. Can also refer to coercion or compulsion in a negative way.
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| compression |
Refers to the act of pressing something into a smaller space or a more compact form, often used in scientific, engineering, or medical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The car was damaged by the crush of the falling tree.
- The walls of the building collapsed under the crush of the earthquake.
to press or squeeze
To press or squeeze with great force, often causing damage or deformation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crush |
This word is suitable when something is being broken into small pieces or destroyed with force. It often conveys a sense of destruction or overwhelming power.
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| squeeze |
This word is good when applying pressure from two or more sides, typically to extract liquid or fit something into a smaller space. Often suggests the use of hands.
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| press |
Use this when exerting steady physical force onto an object, often to flatten it or to extract something from it.
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| smash |
Best used when something is forcefully broken into many pieces, often violently. It conveys a strong sense of destruction and disorder.
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Examples of usage
- He accidentally crushed the delicate flower under his foot.
- The boxer easily crushed his opponent in the ring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Having a crush can activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine and making you feel happy.
- Crushes are often associated with adolescent development, marking the emergence of romantic interests during puberty.
- Studies show that crushes can increase levels of anxiety, excitement, and even nervousness due to heightened emotions.
Pop Culture
- Many songs, movies, and TV shows portray crushes as a key part of growing up, highlighting their universal appeal.
- The term is also frequently used in social media, where people share their feelings about crushes openly, especially among teens.
- The reality show format often features contestants developing crushes to add drama and excitement.
Literature
- Classic literature has numerous references to unrequited crushes, illustrating the pain and joy they can bring.
- Shakespeare frequently mentioned crushes in his plays, exploring loveโs complexities in his characters' relationships.
- Modern young adult novels often center around characters navigating their crushes, adding relatable themes for readers.
History
- Historical documents indicate that crushes have been a topic of interest for centuries, appearing in ancient poetry and folklore.
- In some cultures, having a crush was viewed as a serious matter, leading to arrangements and social events to foster affection.
- In the Victorian era, crushes often led to chaste romantic pursuits, as societal norms restricted open expressions of affection.
Origin of 'crush'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'crush' originally meant to break something into smaller pieces by pressing it.
- In the late 1880s, it started being used in a romantic context to describe a strong admiration for someone.
- The term 'crush' may have come from the notion of feelings being so strong they can 'crush' your heart.
The word 'crush' originated from the Old French word 'croissir', meaning 'to gnash'. Over time, it evolved to mean 'to press or squeeze with force'. The romantic connotation of 'crush' emerged in the 1880s, referring to a strong infatuation or admiration for someone. The use of 'crush' to describe a physical force or pressure has been documented since the 1500s.