# crushed

/ˈkɹəʃt/ (US) · /kɹˈʌʃt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crushed
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. broken into pieces

adjective · CEFR B1

broken or pressed into very small pieces or powder.

For teachers: pulverised or reduced to small fragments through pressure or grinding.

- She liked to have plenty of crushed ice in her lemonade on hot days.
- The recipe requires two cups of crushed walnuts, which should be ground until they reach a coarse, sandy consistency.

### 2. very sad

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling extremely sad, disappointed, or defeated.

For teachers: emotionally devastated or overwhelmed by a sense of failure or rejection.

- He was absolutely crushed when he didn't get the job he wanted.
- The young athlete felt crushed after the narrow defeat, having spent four years preparing for that single qualifying race.

### 3. wrinkled fabric

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

fabric that has been treated to have a permanently wrinkled or pressed look.

For teachers: referring to a textile, such as velvet or silk, that has been deliberately wrinkled or flattened during manufacture for aesthetic effect.

- She wore a beautiful dress made of crushed velvet to the party.
- The interior designer recommended crushed silk curtains to add a textured, non-reflective quality to the formal dining room.

## Examples

- He crushed the empty soda can with one hand.
- The heavy snow eventually crushed the roof of the old garden shed during the winter storm.
- The defending champions crushed their rivals in the final match, demonstrating a level of tactical superiority that left the commentators speechless and the fans in awe.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.