squelch
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /skwɛltʃ/
KK: /skwɛltʃ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a soft, wet sound, like the noise made when walking on mud or wet ground.
Example
As I walked through the muddy field, my shoes began to squelch with every step.
Tense Forms
Past: squelched
Past Participle: squelched
Conversation
Did you hear that funny sound when we walked through the mud?
Yeah, it was like a weird squelch every step we took!
I couldn't stop laughing at how silly it sounded.
It really made the hike more entertaining, for sure!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
squish
squash
muffle
Antonyms
silence
quiet
still
noun
Definition
A sound made when something is squished or crushed, often resembling a wet or squishy noise.
Example
The squelch of mud under my boots made it clear that the ground was very wet.
Conversation
Did you hear that squelch during the debate yesterday?
Yeah, it was so loud that it cut right through the tension!
I thought it was a perfect squelch to shut down the argument.
transitive verb
Definition
To crush or squash something, often by stepping on it, or to silence or suppress something forcefully.
Example
The teacher had to squelch the rumors about the upcoming test.
Tense Forms
Past: squelched
Past Participle: squelched
Conversation
Did you hear what happened at the meeting today?
No, what was it?
Someone tried to spread a rumor, but the manager really squelched it right away.
Root Explanation
The word 'squelch' originates from the late 19th century, likely imitative of the sound made when walking on soft, wet ground. It does not have clear roots in Latin, Greek, or Old French, but it conveys the action of making a squelching sound, often associated with wetness or mud.
Memory Tip
Imagine the sound of stepping in mud — that's what 'squelch' means, capturing the noise made when something wet is stepped on.
Visually Confused Words
quelch