v. & n.
--v.
1. tr. a crush noisily with the teeth. b grind (gravel, dry snow, etc.) under foot, wheels, etc.
2 intr. (often foll. by up, through) make a crunching sound in walking, moving, etc.
--n.
1. crunching; a crunching sound.
2 colloq. a decisive event or moment.
Etymology: earlier cra(u)nch, assim. to munch