What is squeeze? Pronunciation and usage in English

squeeze means . Learn how to pronounce and use squeeze through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of squeeze

squeezeverb

/skwiːz/
Definition & pronunciation of squeeze

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "squeeze" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈskweez (rhymes with "please")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈskwee - This part is key. The "s" is silent. It sounds like "skwee" (as in "ski"). The stress is on this first syllable.
  • -eze - Sounds like "zeh" (like the "z" in "zoo") - very short and quick.

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

ˈskweɪz

Tips for getting it right:

  • Drop the "s": The most common mistake is to pronounce it "squee-ze." Don't do it! The "s" is silent.
  • Focus on the "skwee" sound: Practice saying "skwee" repeatedly.
  • Short "ze" sound: The "-ze" part is a very quick, almost swallowed "z" sound. Don’t linger on it.

Resources to hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of similar words?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., the initial "skwee" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word squeeze in English

Let's break down how to use the word "squeeze" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a variety of meanings! Here's a breakdown of its common uses, grouped with examples:

1. Physically Compressing Something:

  • Definition: To press something tightly into a small space.
  • Examples:
    • "I had to squeeze into the tiny car with all my luggage." (Physical compression)
    • "She squeezed the toothpaste tube until it was empty." (Physical action)
    • "The rain squeezed through the holes in the roof." (Water forced through a small space)

2. Applying Pressure (Often with Effort):

  • Definition: To exert pressure on something or someone, often with some difficulty.
  • Examples:
    • "He tried to squeeze more money out of the deal." (To extract as much as possible)
    • “The interviewer squeezed me about my weaknesses.” (Asking difficult questions)
    • "The competitors are squeezing each other for market share." (Trying to gain an advantage by applying pressure)

3. Figurative Usage - Feeling Stressed or Pressured:

  • Definition: To feel overwhelmed, stressed, or pressured by circumstances.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm feeling really squeezed for time right now – I have so many deadlines." (Feeling overwhelmed)
    • "She was squeezed by her demanding job and family obligations." (Under pressure)
    • "The town was squeezed between the mountains and the sea, limiting its growth." (Limited by surrounding constraints)

4. Animal Actions (Often Cute):

  • Definition: How animals (especially babies and small animals) force their bodies into a small space.
  • Examples:
    • "The baby squeezed his eyes shut during the loud noise." (A reflexive movement)
    • “The kitten squeezed into the cardboard box.” (Fitting into a small space)

5. As a Verb Phrase (with “out”):

  • Definition: To force something out of a small space.
  • Examples:
    • "He squeezed out all the water from the sponge."
    • "She squeezed out a smile." (Force a small, genuine expression)

Key Nuances and Synonyms:

  • Intensity: "Squeeze" suggests a greater degree of pressure than words like “press” or “hold.”
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like: compress, press, force, cram, tighten, pinch, constrict.

Resources for More Examples and Practice:

To help me give you even more tailored examples, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "squeeze" in? (e.g., describing a physical situation, talking about emotions, something else?)

Synonyms for the word squeeze

Idioms of the word squeeze

squeeze somebody dry
to get as much money, information, etc. out of somebody as you can

    Practice with vocabulary squeeze

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The startup's ambitious growth plans faced a sudden __________ when investor funding was unexpectedly withdrawn.
    2. To prepare for the laboratory experiment, the technician carefully measured and then __________ the liquid from the dropper into the vial.
    3. The new algorithm can efficiently __________ large data files without significant loss of information quality.
    4. Before the main presentation, the speaker will __________ the key takeaways from the research findings.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. We need to __________ this urgent client request into an already packed schedule before the end of the day. a) fit b) squeeze c) insert d) cram

    2. To get every last drop of juice for the recipe, you have to really __________ the limes. a) press b) extract c) squeeze d) crush

    3. The unexpected economic downturn began to __________ many small businesses financially, making it difficult for them to meet operational costs. a) pressure b) burden c) squeeze d) constrict

    4. Before cooking, it's important to __________ all the excess water out of the blanched spinach. a) wring b) extract c) drain d) strain

    5. The editor asked the writer to __________ the lengthy report to make it more concise and easier to read. a) compress b) condense c) shrink d) diminish

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company is experiencing immense financial pressure due to rising operational costs. (Rewrite using a form of "squeeze")
    2. Despite a very busy calendar, I managed to find time for a quick 15-minute consultation. (Rewrite using a form of "squeeze")
    3. The plumber had to grip the stubborn pipe with considerable force to loosen it. (Rewrite without using "squeeze" or its forms)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. squeeze
    2. squeezed
    3. compress
    4. extract

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. a) fit, b) squeeze, d) cram
    2. a) press, c) squeeze
    3. a) pressure, b) burden, c) squeeze
    4. a) wring, b) extract
    5. a) compress, b) condense, c) shrink

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The company is experiencing a financial squeeze due to rising operational costs.
    2. Despite a very busy calendar, I managed to squeeze in a quick 15-minute consultation.
    3. The plumber had to grip the stubborn pipe with considerable force to loosen it. (Original sentence did not use "squeeze", so no change needed, or "The plumber had to wrench the stubborn pipe with considerable force to loosen it.")

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