squelch
verb (used with object)
to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash.
squelched
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past participleof squelch.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof squelch.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
squelchverb (used with object)to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
From the opening minute, Belgium absolutely dominated the Americans and squelched every shred of optimism the U.S. had generated among fans about their promising start to the tournament.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
So far, the higher rates have softened but not squelched buyer demand in the spring home-buying season, he noted.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 26, 2026
Had there been better information, a more bounded threat, the arms race of the missile age might have been squelched before it took off.
From Slate ● Feb. 3, 2026
This year has seen unrelenting bad news for L.A. nightlife — the impacts of the wildfires, the continued Hollywood strike fallout, the cost-of-living crisis and ICE raids and protests that temporarily squelched downtown’s after-dark industry.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 10, 2025
She hadn’t moved yet, but a wet footfall squelched from behind her.
From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack
