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to scrunch

to scrunch

1 7.7
Make a harsh metal noise when parts rub without oil
  • verb
  • /skrʌnʧ/
translation icon : rechinar
  • We were bouncing over the washboard road, the bus scrunching loudly in low gear.

Examples

  • As the old truck started up, it scrunched violently, signaling that maintenance was overdue.

  • The Lariat's tires scrunched now on the gravel as she came around the ridge and curved down into the valley under the wooden Double D sign that marked the start of the ranch's driveway.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Tom made his way past the corrals, the frosted grass scrunching under the soles of his boots.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The hammerings and the planings ceased as his fat tires scrunched the shingle.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The machinery began to scrunch loudly as it struggled to function under heavy load.

  • He listened as the rusty door scrunched when he pushed it open, indicating it needed oiling.

Synonyms

to sputter
vsto scrunch
15 4.6

To make short explosive sounds when a machine does not run smoothly

is steady harsh grating from dry parts, not intermittent spitting
to scritch
vsto scrunch
9.9

To make a harsh scraping sound by rubbing against a surface

is an internal grating noise from parts lacking lubrication
to scraunch
vsto scrunch
  • UK
9.9

To make a loud, harsh crunching sound when crushed underfoot

is a metallic internal grating noise caused by dry moving parts
to scranch
vsto scrunch
  • Archaic
9.9

A loud crushing sound you hear when you step on hard loose things like snow or gravel

is a dry internal grating noise from moving parts without oil
to cranch
vsto scrunch
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a loud crunching sound when something is pressed or walked on

is a noisy internal rubbing sound from poorly lubricated parts
to screak
vsto scrunch
  • UK
9.9

To make a short, high, harsh sound like an owl or old gate

is lower pitched metallic grating rather than a high shriek
to skreak
vsto scrunch
9.9

To make a loud, high, harsh sound like a scream

is a low rough mechanical grinding sound not a high pitch
to chirk
vsto scrunch
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a high sharp squeaking sound like a mouse or an old door

is a rough internal rubbing noise from gears or bearings
to brattle
vsto scrunch
  • Archaic
9.9

A loud rattling sound when metal or hard things hit each other

is a harsh rubbing grind rather than loose rattling of parts
to scroop
vsto scrunch
  • UK
9.9

To make a crisp rustling sound when fabric moves

is metallic grating of machinery, not soft fabric noises

Phrasal Verbs

to scrunch up
  • Informal
1 4.3

To crouch down close to the ground by bending the knees

to scrunch up
  • Informal
1 4.1

To press something so it becomes wrinkled, for example paper or your face

How Harsh

screech
39 2.9
to scrunch
1 7.7
to rattle
151 2.2
to whirr
16 6.7
to hum
49 1.0

Surface Forms

scrunch infinitive
scrunched past
scrunched past participle
scrunching present participle
scrunches third person singular

Etymology

Scrunch likely comes from copying a small crushing sound by joining scr- (as in scratch) and -unch (like crunch). So, when an engine 'scrunches' you hear a rough, grating noise as parts rub or lack oil.