quash

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quash" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to the act of rejecting or voiding a decision, order, or claim. Example: "The judge decided to quash the previous ruling due to lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite efforts by Team Clinton to quash the contents of the book ahead of its release on 5 May, outlets that struck a deal with the publisher to comb its pages in advance have begun reporting out some of the leads.

The Guardian

Although his whereabouts are currently unknown, he has been granted legal aid, and his lawyers are asking three court of appeal judges in London to quash high court orders made in October 2012 upholding a decision by home secretary's to restrict his movements.

The Guardian

Instead of effecting regime change, he feels, sanctions are only likely to hit ordinary Russians and boost the hawkish sentiments they are meant to quash.

The Guardian

As Holyrood officials moved to quash rumours that Murphy has been given office space in the parliament building Murphy again indicated he would set out his plans to find a Holyrood seat early in the new year, to avoid continuing attacks on his capacity to lead the Scottish party while he represents a Westminster seat.

The Guardian

In the past, Clooney has moved to quash rumours that he is flirting with the idea of becoming a politician – but this elegant, risk-averse wedding dress is a fashion statement worthy of a first lady.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carswell also used his walkabout to quash speculation that he might use his position as Ukip's first elected MP to manoeuvre for its leadership.

The Guardian

"The Inquisition sought to quash their Jewish identity down through the ages and we are coming here today to say that the Inquisition did not succeed.

The Guardian

However, Uncut lawyers countered that the NAO would not have the power to quash the deal and force HMRC to reclaim the money in full.

The Guardian

As senior Lib Dem MPs warned potential successors not to start campaigning for the vacancy before they have fought to defend 5,000 council seats in May and win extra MEPs in June, Mr Ashdown moved to quash conspiracy theories about his voluntary departure after 11 years of struggle to push third party politics towards real influence.

The Guardian

Should they all be imposed, Egypt may feel rather like a military academy.One example is state universities, where the authorities want to quash the anti-government protests that disrupted studies last year.

The Economist

The power grab was part of a broader campaign to quash corruption charges levelled against Mr Erdogan's children, business cronies and members of his cabinet.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quash" when you want to emphasize the act of forcefully suppressing or rejecting something, whether it's a rebellion, a rumor, or a legal decision.

Common error

While "quash" is appropriate in formal and news contexts, avoid using it in casual conversations where simpler words like "stop" or "end" would be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quash" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of suppressing or rejecting something, often with force or authority. Ludwig examples show it being used in contexts ranging from suppressing rebellions to overturning legal decisions. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "quash" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in news and media, and formal business contexts. It conveys the act of forcefully suppressing or invalidating something. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, remember its formality level and use simpler alternatives in casual conversations. Remember to distinguish it from similar words like "squash" and consider context when selecting synonyms like ""overturn"" or "suppress". By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "quash" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overturn

Implies reversing a previous decision or ruling, often in a legal context.

invalidate

Focuses on making something legally or officially void.

nullify

Highlights the act of rendering something without legal force or effect.

repeal

Specifically refers to the official cancellation of a law or act.

rescind

Indicates the revocation or cancellation of an agreement, order or privilege.

suppress

Emphasizes the act of forcefully stopping or preventing something from happening or being known.

subdue

Stresses bringing someone or something under control, often through force.

repress

Implies holding back or restraining something, often emotions or desires.

crush

Suggests completely destroying or overwhelming something, often in a forceful manner.

squelch

To completely suppress or silence; quell.

FAQs

How to use "quash" in a sentence?

The verb "quash" is generally used in legal or formal contexts to indicate the act of suppressing, rejecting, or invalidating something. For example, "The court decided to "overturn" the previous ruling".

What can I say instead of "quash"?

You can use alternatives like ""overturn"", "invalidate", or "suppress" depending on the context. Each carries slightly different nuances, so choose the one that best fits your meaning.

Which is correct, "quash" or "squash"?

"Quash" and "squash" are distinct words with different meanings. "Quash" means to suppress or reject, particularly in a legal context, while "squash" means to crush or flatten. Therefore, the correct word depends entirely on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "quash" and "repeal"?

"Quash" generally refers to suppressing or invalidating something, such as a legal decision or rumor. "Repeal" on the other hand, specifically refers to the act of revoking or abolishing a law or statute.