The spelling of the word "crushes" is straightforward in terms of English orthography. It is spelled with the letters C, R, U, S, H, E, and S. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is /ˈkrʌʃɪz/. The first syllable, "cr," is pronounced with the consonant cluster /kr/ and the vowel /ʌ/. The second syllable, "ush," is pronounced with a single consonant /ʃ/ and the vowel /ɪ/. The final -es suffix is pronounced as the sound /ɪz/, indicating pluralization.
A crush is an intense feeling of romantic attraction or infatuation towards someone. It refers to an overwhelming desire for someone, where the individual's thoughts, emotions, and actions are largely focused on that person. Often experienced during adolescence or early adulthood, crushes are characterized by a combination of idealization, excitement, and nervousness. They typically involve fantasy and daydreaming about the desired person, resulting in a sense of euphoria or joy.
A crush often begins with admiration, fascination, or physical attraction towards someone. It may be triggered by various factors such as appearance, personality traits, talent, or a specific interaction. The feelings associated with a crush can be extremely intense and may create a sense of longing or yearning to get closer to the individual, often leading to daydreaming about potential romantic scenarios or idealized moments.
Crushes can vary in duration; some are short-lived, while others can last for an extended period of time. They may eventually develop into a deeper connection or evolve into a more mature form of love, or they may fade away completely. Crushes are a common experience throughout life, and while they can generate excitement and happiness, they can also bring feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty, especially if the affection is not reciprocated or kept hidden.
The word "crushes" has its roots in the Middle English period, derived from the Old French word "crocir" which meant "to break, smash, squash", and ultimately originating from the Latin word "cruscus" meaning "broken pieces". In early usage, the term primarily referred to physically crushing or breaking objects. Over time, it gained additional figurative meanings, such as a strong infatuation or romantic attraction towards someone, which is the most common usage today.