crush

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "crush" can be used correctly in written English.
It can be used as both a noun and a verb. Examples: Noun: I have a huge crush on my best friend's brother. Verb: I crushed the test.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The sun radiates down on me and my dog Rosie, who is lying carefully so as to not to crush the tubing that connects me to an electronic concentrator, providing oxygen 24 hours a day, via a nasal canula, should I need it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Their leader, Alexander Zaldostanov, is known as "the Surgeon" and is one of the founders of Anti-Maidan, a Russian group that has promised to crush liberal protesters it believes are determined to create a Ukrainian-style revolution in Russia.

The Guardian

Most despicably of all the columnist Richard Littlejohn suggested Chahal, who has a long record of bringing groundbreaking cases, might have a crush on Sutcliffe; the writer likened her to "one of those madwomen who write to serial killers and end up marrying them".

The Guardian

Adam had gone to the match with his father, Eddie, who also passed out in the crush and who woke up on a ventilator in intensive care at Sheffield's Northern General hospital.

The Guardian

The accusations against Jaruzelski remain that he betrayed Poland and was acting at Moscow's bidding when he declared martial law to crush the Solidarity movement, and that he turned to reform only because circumstances in the communist camp forced him to change course.

The Guardian

Related: The magnificent Shapps will crush his critics but what about poor Contribsx?

The Guardian

He said: "The 1% have conspired to crush a crucial and legitimate democratic movement because they know it resonates with the majority of people.

The Guardian

By the same token, in their macabre minds turning the babies over to "good" military families to raise as their own represented the ultimate victory over the "godless" left-wing enemy they wished to crush into nonexistence.

The Guardian

One senior adviser fears that securing 16% of this growing vote in 2020, 2025 or beyond will not just squeeze majorities but crush the party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The light was grey but even and I stood above a crush-barrier at the curve of the Stretford End, which gave me a perfect view up the byline of the moments that announced his genius.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's possible that DGA winner Alejandro González Iñárritu or Brit-crush Wes Anderson might temper Boyhood's winning streak.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, be specific about the type of crush you are expressing. For instance, 'style crush' refers to admiration of someone's fashion sense, while 'celebrity crush' denotes infatuation with a famous person.

Common error

Be careful not to mix the noun and verb forms of "crush". "I have a crush on him" (noun) is different from "I will crush him" (verb, meaning to defeat). Using the wrong form can lead to misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The word "crush" functions primarily as a noun referring to a brief but intense infatuation or, as a verb, meaning to压倒 or compress. The word "crush" can be both a noun and a verb, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Music

7%

Film

6%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "crush" is a versatile term with distinct noun and verb usages, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It commonly refers to a fleeting infatuation or the act of 압倒 or 압축. Its usage spans from informal contexts, like expressing a school-age infatuation, to more neutral settings in news reports, such as describing political suppression. Authoritative sources such as The Guardian frequently employ "crush", solidifying its place in standard English. Be mindful of differentiating its noun and verb forms to prevent miscommunication. Overall, "crush" is very common in English, as shown by its Ludwig examples, but context is paramount for accurate interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infatuation

Expresses a strong feeling of attraction, similar to a "crush", but may imply a more intense or longer-lasting emotion.

smitten

Describes being instantly and deeply affected by someone's charm.

intense attraction

Highlights the strength of the feeling, focusing on the magnetic pull towards someone.

have a thing for

A more casual way of expressing attraction, suggesting a specific interest in someone.

be keen on

British English alternative, expressing liking or interest.

puppy love

Captures the innocence and naivety often associated with a young "crush".

fleeting fancy

Emphasizes the short-lived nature of a "crush", suggesting it may not be serious.

passing infatuation

Similar to fleeting fancy, but with a slightly stronger initial intensity.

brief admiration

Underlines the respect and liking aspect, toning down the romantic intensity.

partiality

Indicates a preference or bias towards someone, a milder form of "crush".

FAQs

How can I use "crush" in a sentence?

As a noun, you can say "I have a "crush" on her". As a verb, you can say "The army will "crush" the rebellion".

What are some alternative words for "crush" when referring to infatuation?

Alternatives include "infatuation", "attraction", or "puppy love" depending on the intensity and context.

Is it correct to say "I'm crushing on him"?

Yes, "I'm crushing on him" is a common and acceptable way to express that you have a "crush" on someone.

What's the difference between having a "crush" and being "in love"?

A "crush" is often a fleeting, intense attraction, while being "in love" typically implies a deeper, more committed emotional connection.