# squelch

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈskwɛlt͡ʃ/ · frequency rank #63,268

## Definitions
1. To halt, stop, eliminate, stamp out, or put down, often suddenly or by force.
2. To suppress the unwanted hiss or static between received transmissions by adjusting a threshold level for signal strength.
3. To make a sucking, splashing noise as when walking on muddy ground.
4. To walk or step through a substance such as mud.

## Etymology
Unknown. Perhaps a blend of squash + quell + quench. Compare also English squolsh, English squoosh.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/squelch