Definition
- (verb) To defeat decisively. “The army quashed the rebellion.”
- (verb) To crush or dash to pieces.
- (verb) To void or suppress (a subpoena, decision, etc.).
Background
Quash carries a formal tone, often encountered in legal and authoritative contexts. This verb signifies the act of defeating decisively, typically in relation to challenges or claims. It evokes a sense of finality and strength when used, emphasizing the complete suppression of opposition.
Legal documents frequently utilize quash, particularly in phrases like "quash a subpoena" or "quash a ruling." Its usage extends beyond law into political discourse, where one might quash dissenting voices. The word conveys a powerful image of overcoming obstacles with authority.
In word games, quash scores a notable 17 points in Scrabble, making it a worthy addition to a player's hand, especially when aiming for parallel plays. With five letters and common bigrams, it fits well into various strategies. Sub-words such as ash, has, and qua can also be formed, providing further opportunities for scoring.
The term quash is derived from the Latin word "quassare," meaning to shake or shatter, which evolved into its current usage. It gained prominence in Middle English and has maintained its formal register through the centuries. Common misspellings may include "quashh" or "quas," but the word's distinctiveness aids in avoiding confusion. Its strong connotations make it a striking choice in both speech and writing.
Using Quash in a sentence
- The judge decided to quash the previous ruling after new evidence emerged.
- After much debate, the committee voted to quash the proposal for the new park.
- The attorney aimed to quash the allegations against her client during the trial.
- In a dramatic turn of events, the governor quashed the uprising with a single decree.
Origin of Quash
Quash originates from the Latin term "quassare," which means to shake or shatter. This word transitioned through Middle English, gaining prominence in legal contexts by the 14th century. Its formal usage has persisted, often associated with authoritative power to suppress or defeat challenges decisively. The precise origin is debated.
Word stats
- Quash contains 5 letters: 2 vowel(s) and 3 consonant(s).
- It uses 5 unique letters.
- Estimated syllable count: 1.
- Scrabble-style letter score: 17.
Words you can build
Word neighbours
Other 5-letter words
- abaci
- aback
- abaft
- abase
- abash
- abate
- abbey
- abbot
- abeam
- abets
- abhor
- abide
- abler
- abode
- abort
- about
- above
- abuse
Words starting with QUA
- qua
- quack
- quacked
- quackery
- quacking
- quacks
- quad
- quadrangle
- quadrangles
- quadrangular
- quadrant
- quadrants
- quadraphonic
- quadratic
- quadrature
- quadrennial
- quadriceps
- quadricepses
See all words starting with QUA →
Words ending with ASH
Frequently asked questions
What does Quash mean?
To defeat decisively.
How many letters are in Quash?
Quash has 5 letters.
How valuable is quash in Scrabble?
Quash scores 17 points in Scrabble, making it a strong play. It can also be advantageous for parallel plays, enhancing scoring opportunities.
What phrases commonly use the word quash?
Common phrases include "quash a subpoena" and "quash dissent." These collocations highlight its frequent use in legal and political contexts.
What is the origin of the word quash?
Quash derives from the Latin word 'quassare,' meaning to shake or shatter. Its usage became prominent in Middle English, particularly in legal terminology.
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