Definition

Adjective: 1. Flattened by pressure: Something that has been crushed or compressed, often losing its original shape. 2. Made smaller or flatter: An object or substance that has been pressed down, reducing its volume or height.

Usage

The adjective "squashed" describes the state of an object after it has been subjected to crushing force. It is often used to describe physical objects but can be used metaphorically. - It typically follows a linking verb like be, look, or seem (e.g., The box was squashed). - It can come before a noun (e.g., a squashed tomato).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Can describe feelings of being overwhelmed or confined.
  • I feel squashed by all my responsibilities.
• "squashed in": Describes being pressed into a tight space with others.
  • We were all squashed in the tiny elevator.

Variants and Related Words

• Squash (verb): To crush or press something into a flat, soft mass.
  • Be careful not to squash the bread.
• Squashy (adjective): Soft and easily squashed; yielding under pressure.
  • The squashy pillow was very comfortable.

Synonyms

• Crushed: Pressed with great force so as to break or damage.
• Flattened: Made flat or flatter.
• Compressed: Flattened by pressure; squeezed together.

Antonyms

• Intact: Whole and undamaged.
• Inflated: Filled with air or gas and expanded.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Idioms

• Squash up: To move closer together to make space.
  • Can you all squash up so one more person can sit down?

Adjective

1. that has been violently compressed
   • the squashed looking nakedness of the fledgling birds