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DictionaryquashForceful suppression
verb

quash

KWAHSH/kwɑːʃ/

To put an authoritative end to something.

The judge quashes the warrant by stamping it void.

A judge formally invalidates a warrant by stamping it VOID.
Etymology
quashLatinto annul

Latin cassare meant “to annul,” from cassus, “null, void, empty.” To quash a decision is to make it void, depriving it of force through an authoritative act.

In context

DARK STORY OF COUNTRY4:04
Mountbatten, leading a platoon of stokers, was to quash the strikes and restore order.
Lord Mountbatten’s Hidden Scandals Dark Secrets, FBI Files & others | FBI Files Exposed

More examples

  • The judge quashed the subpoena because it was improperly issued.
  • The director quashes rumors that the factory will close.
  • The new restrictions aim at quashing dissent.

Forms

quash · quashes · quashed · quashing

Similar words

suppress
Emphasizes stopping activity or expression, not invalidating legal decisions.
overturn
Specifically reverses a decision or ruling through higher authority.
annul
Declares something legally invalid, rather than suppressing an activity.