quash
/kwɒʃ/
VERB
1. Annul or void officially
To officially reject, overturn, or declare legally null and void, such as a subpoena, ruling, or indictment.
1.1. Legal rulings and official actions
Used in legal proceedings and official governance when setting aside, invalidating, or rejecting a formal order, motion, or decision.
Synonyms
- annul
- nullify
- overrule
- overturn
- rescind
- revoke
- set aside
- vacate
Antonyms
Examples
- The judge decided to quash the subpoena due to lack of evidence.
- The company filed a motion to quash the injunction that threatened to halt its operations.
Related Words
VERB
2. Suppress or extinguish completely
To forcefully suppress, subdue, or put an end to something, such as rumors, dissent, or a rebellion.
2.1. Public dissent, rumors, and unrest
Used when decisively putting an end to opposition, speculation, or public unrest before it can spread.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The government sought to quash rumors about the impending tax increase.
- Despite efforts to quash dissent, the protests continued to gain momentum.
Related Words
- clamp down on
- dissent
- overpower
- protest
- rumor
- vanquish
VERB
3. Crush physically
To physically crush, dash to pieces, or smash into an unusable or broken state.
3.1. Physical destruction and compression
Used to describe violently compressing, breaking, or smashing a physical object to pieces.
Synonyms
- crush
- demolish
- destroy
- smash
- squash
- squish
Antonyms
- build up
- rebuild
Examples
- The heavy machinery threatened to quash the fragile artifacts under its weight.
Related Words
- break down
- compression
- fracture
- pressure
- shatter