Crushed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crushed
[krʌʃt ]
Definitions
emotions
To be overwhelmed by a strong feeling of disappointment, sadness, or defeat.
Synonyms
devastated, disheartened, heartbroken.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crushed |
When someone feels extremely defeated or demoralized due to a specific event or loss. It often implies a sense of overwhelm.
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| devastated |
Used in intense situations where someone feels completely destroyed emotionally, often due to a tragic event or loss.
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| heartbroken |
Used when someone is experiencing deep emotional pain, often related to romantic relationships or the loss of a loved one.
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| disheartened |
When someone feels discouraged or loses motivation, usually due to a setback or repeated failures. It is less intense than 'crushed' or 'devastated'.
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Examples of usage
- I felt crushed when I didn't get the job I wanted.
- She was crushed by the news of her grandfather's passing.
physical
To press or squeeze with great force, resulting in destruction or deformation.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crushed |
Crushed is often used when something is pressed so hard that it loses its shape or is destroyed. It's commonly used for describing strong physical force.
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| smash |
Smash is used when something is broken into pieces violently, often with a loud noise. It implies a very strong impact and is often negative.
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| crumple |
Crumple refers to a less severe form of crushing, often involving wrinkling or bending. It is often used for softer materials like paper or fabric.
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| flatten |
Flatten means to make something flat or level, often by pressing or applying weight. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
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Examples of usage
- The car was crushed in the accident.
- He accidentally crushed the delicate flowers.
informal
Extremely attracted to someone, especially in a romantic or sexual way.
Synonyms
besotted, enamored, infatuated.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| crushed |
Generally, 'crushed' is used to describe an intense but often short-lived romantic attraction, usually in a casual or youthful context. It can be used to talk about someone who is feeling heartbroken or disappointed as well.
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| infatuated |
'Infatuated' describes a passionate but short-lived or irrational love or admiration. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting shallow or excessive enthusiasm.
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| enamored |
'Enamored' expresses a deep, often romantic love or admiration for someone or something. It is usually used in a positive and formal context, implying a strong but rational attraction.
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| besotted |
'Besotted' is used to describe someone who is so much in love that they are almost obsessed. It often implies infatuation to an extreme degree and can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a lack of rational judgment.
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Examples of usage
- She's got a crush on her coworker.
- He's been acting like a teenager with a crush.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Crushing is often a part of physical changes in chemistry, helping to make substances react faster by increasing their surface area.
- In geology, crushing can refer to the formation of sediment or metamorphic rocks when existing ones are pressured over time.
- The crushing of materials is vital in industries like mining, where ores are broken down to extract valuable minerals.
Pop Culture
- In music, 'crush' often appears in song lyrics, referring to romantic feelings or infatuation, hence a metaphor for emotional impact.
- Movies frequently depict 'crushing' moments, where characters experience strong emotional events, adding drama to the storyline.
- The term often describes a popular dessert trend where various ingredients are crushed together to create new flavors and textures.
Psychology
- Feeling 'crushed' can describe emotional distress, often associated with loss, disappointment, or rejection in relationships.
- Research suggests that the sensation of being crushed under pressure can physically impact our stress responses.
- The term is used in psychological contexts to address feelings of overwhelm when a person cannot handle life's demands.
Literature
- In literature, characters may describe their dreams or hopes as 'crushed', illustrating profound emotional struggles.
- Symbolism of being crushed can often signify defeat in various literary works, emphasizing character development.
- Many poets use the imagery of crushing to convey deeper meanings about loss, vulnerability, and the fragility of dreams.
Origin of 'crushed'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in the Old French word 'croisshier', which meant to grind or crush.
- It comes from Middle English, providing a historical link to how language evolved over centuries.
- The term has been used in various contexts since the 1200s, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.
The word 'crushed' originated from the Old French word 'croissir', which means 'to crush, smash, break, shatter'. The concept of crushing or pressing with force has been present in human language for centuries, reflecting the physical and emotional impact of such actions.