Quash vs. Squash — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 3, 2024
Quash refers to rejecting or voiding, often used in legal contexts, while squash means to crush or suppress something forcefully.
Difference Between Quash and Squash
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Quashing is a term frequently used in legal and formal contexts to refer to the act of officially nullifying or rejecting something, such as a decision or an indictment. It is a process that involves authority and is applied in situations where something is deemed invalid or improper. On the other hand, squashing involves physically pressing something down or metaphorically suppressing it. It is a more forceful action that can be applied in various contexts, from physical to figurative.
While quashing is about annulment and is a term used in specific scenarios, such as courts and official proceedings, squashing is versatile, describing a physical action or a metaphorical suppression. For instance, you quash rumors or rebellion in a metaphorical sense, whereas you squash a bug or squash can also mean to put an end to something like an argument or dispute.
Quash is associated with authority and legality, often involving a formal decision by a figure or institution of power to nullify something. This act is rooted in legality and officialdom. Conversely, squash can imply an exertion of force or power, but it is not limited to legal or official contexts. It can be used in everyday language to describe actions ranging from the literal flattening of objects to the suppression of ideas or actions.
The term quash suggests a certain finality and formality in the decision-making process, often resulting in the complete annulment of a previous action or decision. Squash, however, can suggest either a temporary or permanent end to something, with the means of suppression varying widely from physical force to persuasive argumentation or even intimidation.
To quash is to make something void or to nullify, primarily in a legal or formal context, emphasizing the process's official nature. Squashing, however, can range from physically flattening something to metaphorically putting an end to something, often implying a more forceful, less formal action.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Context
Legal and official
Physical and metaphorical
Action
Nullifying, annulling
Crushing, suppressing
Connotation
Formal, official
Forceful, versatile
Examples
Quashing a court decision
Squashing a bug, squashing a revolt
Use
Specific to scenarios of authority
Broad, ranging from literal to figurative
Compare with Definitions
Quash
To suppress or put an end to something.
The authorities acted quickly to quash the rumors.
Squash
To press or crush something flat.
She accidentally squashed the loaf of bread while packing the groceries.
Quash
Legal dismissal of a decision.
The appeal was quashed due to a lack of evidence.
Squash
A game played in a court with rackets and a small, rubber ball.
They played squash every Thursday evening.
Quash
To reject or void, especially by legal or official means.
The court quashed the previous ruling.
Squash
To overcome or put down forcefully.
The rebellion was squashed with overwhelming force.
Quash
To annul or make void.
The new evidence led to the conviction being quashed.
Squash
To suppress or silence.
The company tried to squash the negative publicity.
Quash
To reject or invalidate an argument.
The judge quashed the lawyer’s objection.
Squash
To fit into a small space.
They had to squash into the tiny car for the road trip.
Quash
To annul or put an end to (a court order, indictment, or court proceedings).
Squash
The fruit of any of these plants, eaten as a vegetable.
Quash
To put down or suppress forcibly and completely
Quash a rebellion.
Squash
The act or sound of squashing.
Quash
To put an end to or destroy
Quash a rumor.
Quash hopes of an agreement.
Squash
Something that has been squashed.
Quash
To defeat decisively, to suppress.
The army quashed the rebellion.
Squash
A crushed or crowded mass
A squash of people.
Quash
(obsolete) To crush or dash to pieces.
Squash
(Sports) A game played on a four-walled court by two or four players who use long-handled rackets to hit a small rubber ball against the front wall, with play stopping if the ball bounces twice on the floor or does not reach the front wall after a stroke. Also called squash rackets.
Quash
(legal) To void or suppress (a subpoena, decision, etc.).
Squash
Chiefly British A citrus-based soft drink.
Quash
Same as Squash.
Squash
To beat, squeeze, or press into a pulp or a flattened mass; crush.
Quash
To abate, annul, overthrow, or make void; as, to quash an indictment.
Squash
To put down or suppress; quash
Squash a revolt.
Quash
To beat down, or beat in pieces; to dash forcibly; to crush.
The whalesAgainst sharp rocks, like reeling vessels, quashed,Though huge as mountains, are in pieces dashed.
Squash
To silence or fluster, as with crushing words
Squash a heckler.
Quash
To crush; to subdue; to suppress or extinguish summarily and completely; as, to quash a rebellion.
Contrition is apt to quash or allay all worldly grief.
Squash
To become crushed, flattened, or pulpy, as by pressure or impact.
Quash
To be shaken, or dashed about, with noise.
Squash
To move with a splashing or sucking sound, as when walking through boggy ground.
Quash
Put down by force or intimidation;
The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land
Squash
With a squashing sound.
Quash
Declare invalid;
The contract was annulled
Void a plea
Squash
(uncountable) A sport played in a walled court with a soft rubber ball and bats like tennis racquets.
Squash
(British) A soft drink made from a fruit-based concentrate diluted with water.
When I'm thirsty I drink squash; it tastes much nicer than plain water.
Squash
A place or a situation where people have limited space to move.
It's a bit of a squash in this small room.
Squash
(biology) A preparation made by placing material on a slide flat, rectangular piece of glass, covering it and applying pressure.
Squash
Something soft and easily crushed; especially, an unripe pod of peas.
Squash
Something unripe or soft.
Squash
A sudden fall of a heavy, soft body; also, a shock of soft bodies.
Squash
An extremely one-sided, usually short, match.
Squash
A plant and its fruit of any of a few species of the genus Cucurbita, or gourd kind.
Squash
Cucurbita maxima, including hubbard squash, great winter squash, buttercup squash, and some varieties of pumpkins.
Squash
Cucurbita argyrosperma (syn. Cucurbita mixta), cushaw squash.
Squash
Cucurbita moschata, butternut squash, Barbary squash, China squash.
Squash
Cucurbita pepo, most pumpkins, acorn squash, summer squash, zucchini.
Squash
(botany) Any other similar-looking plant of other genera.
Squash
Lagenaria siceraria (syn. Cucurbita verrucosa), calabash, long-neck squash.
Squash
(culinary) The edible or decorative fruit of these plants, or this fruit prepared as a dish.
We ate squash and green beans.
Squash
Muskrat.
Squash
(transitive) To beat or press into pulp or a flat mass; to crush.
Squash
To compress or restrict (oneself) into a small space; to squeeze.
Somehow, she squashed all her books into her backpack, which was now too heavy to carry.
We all managed to squash into Mum's tiny car.
Squash
(transitive) To suppress; to force into submission.
Squash
An American animal allied to the weasel.
Squash
A plant and its fruit of the genus Cucurbita, or gourd kind.
Squash
Something soft and easily crushed; especially, an unripe pod of pease.
Not yet old enough for a man, nor young enough for a boy; as a squash is before 't is a peascod.
Squash
Hence, something unripe or soft; - used in contempt.
Squash
A sudden fall of a heavy, soft body; also, a shock of soft bodies.
My fall was stopped by a terrible squash.
Squash
A game much like rackets, played in a walled court with soft rubber balls and bats like tennis rackets; - called also squash rackets.
Squash
To beat or press into pulp or a flat mass; to crush.
Squash
Any of numerous annual tendril-bearing trailing plants of the genus Cucurbita grown for their fleshy edible fruits
Squash
Edible fruit of a squash plant; eaten as a vegetable
Squash
A game played in an enclosed court by two or four players who strike the ball with long-handled rackets
Squash
To compress with violence, out of natural shape or condition;
Crush an aluminum can
Squeeze a lemon
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to quash something?
To quash something means to officially annul, void, or reject it, often in a legal or formal context.
How do you use quash in a sentence?
"Authorities moved quickly to quash the false allegations circulating online."
Is squash always physical?
No, squash can be used metaphorically to describe the suppression or ending of something, such as a rebellion or an argument, not just physical actions.
Can you squash a law or decision?
While "squash" can be used metaphorically to refer to the suppression of actions or ideas, it is less commonly used for laws or decisions; "quash" is more appropriate in those contexts.
Can quash be used outside of legal contexts?
While primarily used in legal contexts, quash can metaphorically refer to the suppression or dismissal of non-legal matters, such as rumors or plans.
What does squash mean?
Squash can mean to press or crush something until it becomes flat or to suppress something forcefully. It can also refer to a sport played with rackets and a ball.
How do you use squash in a sentence?
"She squashed the bug with a quick slap of her hand."
Can you quash a person?
Typically, you wouldn't "quash" a person. The term is more commonly used in reference to actions, decisions, or legal matters.
Are there synonyms for quash and squash?
Yes, synonyms for quash include annul, void, or overturn, and for squash, synonyms might include crush, suppress, or flatten.
What is the difference in authority between quash and squash?
"Quash" often involves authority or official capacity, such as a court's power, whereas "squash" can imply power but does not necessarily involve authority or officialdom.
What's the difference in connotation between quash and squash?
"Quash" carries a connotation of formality and legality, while "squash" suggests forcefulness and can have both physical and metaphorical uses.
Is quashing always permanent?
Quashing typically results in a final decision or action, but like any legal action, it can be subject to further review or appeal under certain circumstances.
How do quash and squash differ in their impact?
"Quash" implies a formal annulment with legal or official backing, often leaving no room for rebuttal, while "squash" suggests a more immediate, sometimes temporary, suppression or ending of something.
Can squash have a positive connotation?
Yes, in contexts like overcoming challenges or winning sports, "squash" can have a positive connotation, implying strength or determination.
Can both quash and squash be used in informal contexts?
"Squash" is more likely to be used in informal contexts, while "quash" tends to maintain a formal or legal connotation even when used metaphorically.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
