to scrunch
1
7.7
- verb
- /skrʌnʧ/
- 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
16
4.6
To make short explosive sounds when a machine does not run smoothly
6
9.9
To make a loud crunching sound when something is pressed or walked on
1
9.9
To make a harsh scraping sound by rubbing against a surface
1
9.9
A loud crushing sound you hear when you step on hard loose things like snow or gravel
1
9.9
To make a crisp rustling sound when fabric moves
1
9.9
A loud rattling sound when metal or hard things hit each other
1
9.9
To make a high sharp squeaking sound like a mouse or an old door
1
9.9
To make a short, high, harsh sound like an owl or old gate
1
9.9
To make a loud, high, harsh sound like a scream
To make a loud, harsh crunching sound when crushed underfoot
Phrasal Verbs
- Informal
3
4.1
To press something so it becomes wrinkled, for example paper or your face
How Harsh
Surface Forms
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.