Definition

Noun: 1. A device or machine that crushes something: A crusher is a mechanical device designed to compress or break down materials into smaller pieces or a denser mass. 2. A person or thing that crushes: Informally, it can refer to a person, event, or argument that overwhelms or decisively defeats someone or something.

Examples

• As a device:
  • The winery uses a grape crusher to press the fruit.
  • A car crusher compresses old vehicles into cubes of metal.
• As something overwhelming:
  • The news of the layoffs was a real crusher for the team's morale.
  • His final argument in the debate was a crusher that left his opponent speechless.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Often used metaphorically to describe something emotionally devastating or an argument that is conclusively persuasive.
  • Losing the championship in the final seconds was a heart crusher.
• Industrial Context: Commonly forms part of compound terms for specific machines, though the core meaning remains "a device that crushes."
  • A gyratory crusher is used in mining to break down large rocks.

Variants and Related Words

• Crush (verb): To press or squeeze with force so as to break, damage, or distort.
• Crushing (adjective): Overwhelming and devastating.
  • A crushing defeat.
• Can crusher (compound noun): A device for flattening used beverage cans.
• Ice crusher (compound noun): A device for breaking ice into small pieces.

Synonyms

• For a device: compactor, grinder, pulverizer, masher.
• For something overwhelming: knockout blow, decisive blow, clincher, devastating blow.

Related Phrases

• Dream crusher: (Idiomatic) A person or event that destroys someone's hopes or ambitions.
  • Don't be a dream crusher; let them try.
• Soul crusher: (Idiomatic) Something that causes extreme emotional distress or disillusionment.
  • That repetitive job is a real soul crusher.

Noun

1. a device that crushes something