I. ˈskwēz verb
( squeezed ; squeez·ing )
Etymology: alteration of obsolete English quease, from Middle English queysen, from Old English cwȳsan; akin to Icelandic kveisa stomach cramps
Date: circa 1601
transitive verb
1.
a. : to exert pressure especially on opposite sides of : compress
b. : to extract or emit under pressure
c. : to force or thrust by compression
2.
a.
(1) : to get by extortion
(2) : to deprive by extortion
b. : to cause economic hardship to
c. : to reduce the amount of
squeeze s profits
3. : to crowd into a limited area
4. : to gain or win by a narrow margin
5. : to force (another player) to discard in bridge so as to unguard a suit
6. : to score by means of a squeeze play
intransitive verb
1. : to give way before pressure
2. : to exert pressure ; also : to practice extortion or oppression
3. : to force one's way
squeeze through a door
4. : to pass, win, or get by narrowly
• squeez·abil·i·ty ˌskwē-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• squeez·able ˈskwē-zə-bəl adjective
• squeez·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1611
1.
a. : an act or instance of squeezing : compression
b. : handclasp ; also : embrace
2.
a. : a quantity squeezed out from something
a squeeze of lemon
b. : a group crowded together : crowd
3. : a profit taken by a middleman on goods or transactions
4. : a financial pressure caused by narrowing margins or by shortages
5. : a forced discard in bridge
6. : squeeze play
7. slang : a romantic partner
she's my main squeeze