verb
squelch
SKWEHLCH
verb
1
To suppress or put a stop to something firmly, often suddenly.
"The manager quickly squelched the rumour before it spread."
2
To make a wet, sucking sound, as when walking through mud.
"His boots squelched with every step across the muddy field."
noun
1
A wet, sucking sound.
"You could hear the squelch of her wellies in the bog."
How to Use Squelch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo crush a rumour or plan firmly, or the squishy sound of walking through mud.
Common pairings
squelch a rumour
squelch through mud
Word Forms
squelched past tense, squelches plural, squelches singular
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The manager quickly _____ the rumour before it spread.
Etymology
Origin unknown, possibly a blend of squash, quell, and quench.