Crush: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to refer to a fleeting, intense, and often immature romantic feeling towards someone. It is common among teenagers and young adults.

• 'I have a huge crush on my classmate
• ' 'She had a crush on the actor for years
• '

Indicates an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. It often suggests irrationality and a lack of long-term potential.

• 'His infatuation with the new girl in school faded quickly
• ' 'The infatuation with the new hobby lasted just a few weeks
• '

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.

• 'There was an instant attraction between them
• ' 'She felt an attraction to the city’s vibrant culture
• '

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.

• 'He felt great admiration for her dedication and hard work
• ' 'They looked at the painting with admiration
• '

A repeat of the first word. Commonly used to describe an emotional attraction towards someone or the act of breaking something into pieces.

• She felt a strong crush on her new coworker.
• Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs.

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.

• The pressure of the water was too high.
• She feels constant pressure to succeed at her job.

Used to describe physical strength or power exerted on an object or situation. Can also refer to coercion or compulsion in a negative way.

• The door wouldn't budge despite all his force.
• She felt the force of the wind pushing her back.
• He tried to force her to agree, which was wrong.

Refers to the act of pressing something into a smaller space or a more compact form, often used in scientific, engineering, or medical contexts.

• The file will be easier to send after compression.
• The doctor examined the patient for spinal compression.

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.

• She used a rolling pin to crush the garlic.
• The car was crushed by the fallen tree.

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.

• She squeezed the lemon to get the juice out.
• He had to squeeze through the narrow gap.

Use this when exerting steady physical force onto an object, often to flatten it or to extract something from it.

• She used an iron to press her clothes.
• He pressed the button to call the elevator.

Best used when something is forcefully broken into many pieces, often violently. It conveys a strong sense of destruction and disorder.

• The vase was accidentally knocked over and smashed to pieces.
• He smashed the piñata with a bat.