Verbs of Manual Action - Verbs for Using Pressure and Force

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to using pressure and force such as "squeeze", "knead", and "crush".

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Verbs of Manual Action
to squeeze
to squeeze [verb]

to apply pressure with a compressing or constricting motion, typically using the hands

Ex: The toddler attempted to squeeze the toothpaste onto the toothbrush independently .
to wring
to wring [verb]

to extract or remove liquid from something by twisting, squeezing, or compressing it

Ex: He wrung the wet garment to remove as much water as possible before hanging it to dry .
to compress
to compress [verb]

to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure, squeezing, or condensing it

Ex: When packing for the move , they used a tool to compress the mattress for transport .
to compact
to compact [verb]

to make something smaller and more condensed

Ex: Before disposal , they had to compact the recyclables to maximize space in the bin .
to press
to press [verb]

to push a thing tightly against something else

Ex: The worker presses the stamp onto the document to mark it as received .
to condense
to condense [verb]

to make more dense or compact

Ex: The architect redesigned the floor plan to condense the living space , making it more efficient and compact .
to crimp
to crimp [verb]

to create small folds or ridges in something by pinching or pressing it together

Ex: To secure the connection , he crimped the metal wires together using a specialized tool .
to wad
to wad [verb]

to compress or form into a lump or thick mass, often by tightly squeezing or rolling

Ex: She wadded up the piece of paper and tossed it into the recycling bin .
to scrunch
to scrunch [verb]

to squeeze or crunch something into a compact shape or form

Ex: To create a textured effect , the artist used a technique to scrunch the fabric .
to squash
to squash [verb]

to press or squeeze something with force

Ex: The child decided to squash the modeling clay into a flat shape for their project .
to crush
to crush [verb]

to forcibly push something against a surface until it breaks or is damaged or disfigured

Ex: She had to crush the garlic cloves with the back of a knife for the recipe .
to grind
to grind [verb]

to crush something into small particles by rubbing or pressing it against a hard surface

Ex: In the kitchen , she used a mortar and pestle to grind the spices for the curry .
to mill
to mill [verb]

to grind or crush something, especially grains or other materials, using a mechanical device or equipment

Ex: To make homemade pasta , she milled the wheat into fine flour .
to knead
to knead [verb]

to form and press dough or wet clay with the hands

Ex: The potter skillfully kneaded the wet clay on the wheel to shape it into a vase .
to mash
to mash [verb]

to crush food into a soft mass

Ex: He mashed the cooked carrots and parsnips together to create a flavorful vegetable side dish .
to jam
to jam [verb]

to forcibly push or cram something into a tight or confined space

Ex: The worker had to jam the tools into the toolbox to fit everything .
to force
to force [verb]

to squeeze or push something into a tight or confined space

Ex: The mechanic had to force the wrench into the narrow space to reach the bolt .
to ram
to ram [verb]

to forcefully push for something to be accepted or approved, often using strong actions to overcome resistance

Ex: The mayor 's plan to ram the construction project faced backlash from environmental activists .
to wedge
to wedge [verb]

to forcefully fit or insert something into a tight space

Ex: In the crowded subway , people had to wedge themselves into the packed train .
to squeeze in
to squeeze in [verb]

to manage to find or create a small amount of space or time for someone or something, often with difficulty

Ex: The flight was delayed , but they were determined to squeeze in a visit to the museum before it closed .
to shoehorn
to shoehorn [verb]

to force something into a tight or confined space

Ex: The mechanic skillfully shoehorned the tools into the compact toolbox .
to bang
to bang [verb]

to hit or place something with considerable force, often resulting in a loud noise

Ex: The teacher banged the pointer against the chalkboard to get the students ' attention .
to rap
to rap [verb]

to hit sharply, often with a quick and forceful motion

Ex: He rapped the side of the vending machine , hoping the stuck candy bar would dislodge .
to slam
to slam [verb]

to hit or strike with great force, often making a loud noise

Ex: In a moment of anger , the player slammed the chess piece onto the board .
to swat
to swat [verb]

to hit with a swift and forceful motion, often with a swinging action

Ex: The children giggled as they swatted at the bubbles floating around in the backyard .
Verbs of Manual Action
Verbs for Giving Shape Verbs for Changing Shape and Appearance Verbs for Using Fingers and Palm Verbs for Seizing and Holding
Verbs for Using Pressure and Force Verbs for Handling Containers Verbs for Writing Verbs for Marking
Verbs for Covering Verbs for Placement Verbs for Decoration Verbs for Clothing