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Glite Dictionary
to squash enthusiasm

to squash enthusiasm

6.5
To stop someone from feeling excited
  • phrasal verb
  • /skwɑʃ ɪnˈθuːziˌæzm/
translation icon : apagar el entusiasmo
  • Her manager's harsh comments seemed to squash enthusiasm among the whole team.

Examples

  • The teacher never wants to squash enthusiasm in her students for asking questions.

  • I didn't mean to squash enthusiasm, but I had to point out the project risks.

  • Don't squash enthusiasm with negative comments!

  • The teacher often squashes students' enthusiasm.

  • The supervisor's strict rules began to squash enthusiasm for the new project.

  • He didn't intend to squash enthusiasm, but his criticism was quite harsh.

  • Make sure to encourage your team instead of trying to squash enthusiasm with your doubts.

Synonyms

to chill
vsto squash enthusiasm
148 7.2

To make people feel afraid or less enthusiastic

focuses on deliberate reduction of another's motivation rather than causing fear
to suppress
vsto squash enthusiasm
88 5.8

To hold back feelings or reactions

is about deliberately reducing another's motivation rather than self restraint
to stifle
vsto squash enthusiasm
49 5.3

To hold back a feeling or reaction so it does not show

aims to deliberately lower another's motivation rather than general prevention
to put someone off
vsto squash enthusiasm
20 4.3

Make someone lose interest in doing something

aims to deliberately reduce another's motivation rather than just decrease interest
to put a damper on
vsto squash enthusiasm
  • Informal
11 5.8

Make something less fun or exciting

is directed at deliberately lowering a person's motivation rather than events
to kill the mood
vsto squash enthusiasm
  • Informal
5 6.2

To end a pleasant situation suddenly by saying or doing something awkward that makes people feel bad

is used to deliberately reduce another's motivation rather than simply ending mood
to tamp down
vsto squash enthusiasm
5 5.7

Reduce the strength of feelings or public anger

is used to deliberately suppress another's motivation rather than general intensity
to dampen spirits
vsto squash enthusiasm
2 4.9

Make someone feel less happy and excited

is used to deliberately reduce others' motivation rather than general cheer
to pour cold water
vsto squash enthusiasm
  • Informal
1 7.4

To say things that make people less excited about a plan

targets deliberate reduction of another person's motivation across situations
to dispirit
vsto squash enthusiasm
1 7.6

To make someone lose hope or confidence

focuses on deliberate lowering of another's motivation rather than broad demoralization

Antonyms

to encourage
∞ 2.3

Give someone support and confidence so they try or keep doing something

to foster
104 3.7

To encourage the growth or development of something

How Suppressed

to squash enthusiasm
6.5
to put a damper on
  • Informal
11 5.8

Surface Forms

squash enthusiasm infinitive
squashed enthusiasm past
squashed enthusiasm past participle
squashing enthusiasm present participle
squashes enthusiasm third person singular

Morphology

squash + enthusiasm

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from applying 'squash' (to crush or press down) to 'enthusiasm' (excitement): a learner who knows both words can infer 'to suppress or dampen excitement'. The metaphor of 'crushing' feelings is common cross-linguistically and follows regular verb + noun composition, making the expression predictable for B1 learners.

Etymology

Squash enthusiasm uses the verb squash, which means to press something hard until it is flat, like a soft fruit or a bug. So, to squash someone's enthusiasm is to press down their 'excitement', meaning to 'stop' or 'suppress' their eagerness.