squelched
Adjective 1. Subdued, suppressed, or silenced: Describes something that has been forcefully ended, overcome, or prevented from continuing or spreading. It often implies a decisive action that stops an activity, sound, or idea.
The adjective "squelched" is used to describe a state resulting from an action. It modifies a noun to indicate that the thing has been effectively and completely stopped or quieted. * It is typically used before a noun (attributive position) or after a linking verb like "was" or "felt" (predicative position). * It often describes abstract things like rumors, rebellions, feelings, or sounds.
- The squelched rumor never gained any traction with the public.
- After the official statement, the controversy felt completely squelched.
- She walked with a squelched sigh, hiding her disappointment.
- The dictator's regime ensured that all dissent was quickly squelched.
- "to be/feel squelched": To be in a state of having been suppressed. This emphasizes the resulting condition.
- Her creative impulses felt squelched by the strict rules.
- "squelched sound": A sound that is muffled or cut off abruptly, often with a wet, soft noise.
- The only noise was the squelched sound of footsteps in the mud.
- Squelch (verb): To suppress or silence with a crushing retort or action; to make a soft, sucking sound like something wet being compressed.
- He squelched the rebellion with force.
- My boots squelched in the muddy field.
- Squelcher (noun): Something that squelches.
- That comment was a real conversation squelcher.
- Quelled: Subdued or overcome, especially a rebellion or disturbance.
- Suppressed: Forcibly put an end to; prevented from developing or being expressed.
- Quenched: Extinguished or suppressed (a feeling, especially thirst or a fire).
- Silenced: Caused to become silent.
The adjective "squelched" primarily carries the meaning of being subdued or suppressed. Its connection to the verb "squelch," which can mean to make a wet, crushing sound, sometimes influences its use, giving a sense of something being muffled or stopped with a sense of finality, as if stamped out.
- subdued or overcome
- the quelled rebellion
- an uprising quenched almost before it started
- a squelched rumor