squeeze

[[t]skwiz[/t]]

v. squeezed, squeez•ing, n.

1) to press forcibly together; compress

2) to apply pressure to in order to extract juice, sap, or the like:

to squeeze an orange[/ex]

3) to force out, extract, or procure by pressure

4) to force or thrust by pressure

5) to fit into a small or crowded space or time span

6) to press (another's hand or arm) within one's hand as a friendly or sympathetic gesture

7) to hug

8) to obtain by financial or emotional pressure, force, etc.; extort

9) to threaten, intimidate, or harass in order to obtain money, advantages, etc

10) to cause financial hardship to:

manufacturers squeezed by high tariffs[/ex]

11) spo

a) to enable (a runner on third base) to score on a squeeze play

b) to score (a run) in this way

12) gam to force (an opponent) to discard a potentially winning card in a hand of bridge

13) to exert pressure or a compressing force

14) to force a way, as into some narrow or crowded place (usu. fol. by through, in, etc.)

15) to merge or come together

16) an act or instance of squeezing

17) the fact or state of being squeezed or crowded

18) a handclasp

19) a hug or close embrace

20) cvb a troubled financial condition, esp. caused by a shortage or restriction, as of credit or funds

21) a small quantity of something obtained by squeezing

22) cvb pressure or intimidation brought to bear to extort money or advantages, force compliance, etc.:

racketeers putting the squeeze on small businesses[/ex]

23) money or a favor obtained in such a way

24) spo

squeeze play

25) gam a play or circumstance in bridge in which a player is forced to discard a potentially winning card

26) sts Slang. a sweetheart:

my main squeeze[/ex]

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Etymology: 1590–1600; perh. var. of obs. squize (OE cwȳsan) to squeeze, with initial s by false division of words in sandhi squeez′a•ble, adj. squeez`a•bil′i•ty, n. squeez′a•bly, adv. squeez′er, n.