# quash

/ˈkwɔʃ/ (US) · /kwˈɒʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quash
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to suppress or put down

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to stop something by force, such as a protest, a rebellion, or a rumour.

For teachers: to suppress or extinguish something completely, typically by force or authority.

- The government moved quickly to quash the rumours before they caused a panic.
- The administration attempted to quash the growing rebellion by imposing a strict curfew and limiting public gatherings.

Usage: Often used with abstract nouns like 'rumours', 'hopes', or 'rebellion'.

### 2. to reject legally

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to officially state that a legal decision or document is no longer valid.

For teachers: to set aside or annul a legal proceeding, subpoena, or conviction.

- The judge decided to quash the conviction after new evidence was found.
- The high court moved to quash the subpoena, ruling that the requested documents were protected by attorney-client privilege.

Usage: Takes a direct object, typically a legal instrument like a 'conviction', 'verdict', or 'subpoena'.

## Examples

- The higher court decided to quash the original verdict.
- The judge ordered the police to quash the search warrant because it was signed by an invalid authority.
- The appeal was successful in quashing the conviction, citing a significant procedural error that had compromised the defendant's right to a fair trial.

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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.