Verbs for Using Pressure and Force

to apply pressure with a compressing or constricting motion, typically using the hands

The stress ball provided relief as she squeezed it during a tense meeting.

to extract or remove liquid from something by twisting, squeezing, or compressing it

He wrung the dishcloth to remove the soapy water after washing the dishes.

to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure, squeezing, or condensing it

The athlete wore compression socks to help compress the muscles and improve circulation.

small and efficiently arranged or designed

The compact car was perfect for navigating the narrow city streets.

to push a thing tightly against something else

He pressed his foot on the accelerator to increase the speed of the car.

to make more dense or compact

The artist used a technique to condense the paint layers, creating a textured and more vibrant artwork.

to make tight curls in someone's hair using a hair iron

The stylist crimped her hair to add texture and volume for a retro-inspired look.

to compress or form into a lump or thick mass, often by tightly squeezing or rolling

He wadded the tissue into a small ball before disposing of it.

to squeeze the hair with hands to make it look wavy

After applying a styling mousse, she would scrunch her hair gently to enhance its natural waves.

to press or squeeze something with force

He had to squash the empty soda can before recycling it.

to forcibly push something against a surface until it breaks or is damaged or disfigured

He accidentally stepped on and crushed the delicate flower in the garden.

to crush something into small particles by rubbing or pressing it against a hard surface

She had to grind the coffee beans before brewing her morning coffee.

a special grinding machine that crushes grain into flour

to form and press dough or wet clay with the hands

The baker had to knead the bread dough to develop its elasticity.

to crush food into a soft mass

She mashed the boiled potatoes with a fork to make creamy mashed potatoes for dinner.

a thick, sweet substance we make by boiling fruit with sugar and often eat on bread

Can you pass me the jar of raspberry jam, please?

a group of trained and organized people such as the police, soldiers, etc.

The police force worked tirelessly to maintain law and order during the city-wide protests.

to crash violently into an obstacle

The car lost control on the icy road and rammed into the guardrail.

a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States

to manage to find or create a small amount of space or time for someone or something, often with difficulty

The teacher allowed the students to squeeze a quick review session in before the final exam.

to force something into a tight or confined space

He had to shoehorn the large suitcase into the cramped closet.

to accidentally hit or get hit by something that injures or damages a part of one's body

She banged her knee against the corner of the table, causing a bruise.

to hit sharply, often with a quick and forceful motion

The teacher rapped the desk with a ruler to get the students' attention.

to hit or strike with great force, often making a loud noise

Frustrated with the argument, she had to slam her hand on the table to make a point.

to hit with a swift and forceful motion, often with a swinging action

Startled by the surprise attack, he instinctively swatted at the wasp near his face.