Squelch: meaning, definitions and examples

squeezing sound

To squelch means to make a soft sucking sound, often associated with stepping in mud or wet ground. This sound occurs when air is expelled or when a surface is compressed. It can also refer to the act of suppressing something, such as an emotion or a noise. In a figurative sense, it may describe quelling dissent or criticism. Surprise and humor can also stem from the sound itself in various contexts.

crush, quell, silence, suppress

Examples of usage

• She squelched through the mud in her boots.

• He tried to squelch his laughter during the serious meeting.

• The sponge squelched when I squeezed it too hard.