Definition of squelch

The word "squelch" has a fascinating origin. It dates back to the 14th century, when it was used to describe the sound of splashing or squishing in mud or a bog. This sound was made by someone or something treading through a wet and messy area. Over time, the word "squelch" took on a new meaning. In the 16th century, it began to describe the act of suppressing or stifling a sound or noise, much like the way a person might squish a sound-making object to silence it. This sense of the word is still in use today, where we might use "squelch" to describe muting or silencing a noise, often with the aid of a device or technology. Now you know the squelchy origins of this versatile word!