The word "squeezes out" is pronounced /ˈskwiːzɪz ˈaʊt/. It is a verb that means to force or extract something out of an object by applying pressure. The word is spelled with a double 'e' and a single 'z' because of the rule that states that when a consonant follows a short vowel sound, the vowel is usually spelled with a single letter and the consonant is usually doubled. The 's' at the end of the word indicates that it is in the third person present tense.
"Squeezes out" is a phrasal verb that can have various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general terms, it refers to the act of applying pressure or force in order to expel or extract something from a confined space or tight situation.
In a literal sense, "squeezes out" describes the action of forcefully removing liquid or air from an object or substance by applying pressure. For instance, when you squeeze a sponge, you are squeezing the excess water out of it.
Figuratively, "squeezes out" can also be used to describe overtaking or outperforming someone or something, especially in a competitive situation. For example, in sports, an athlete may use their speed and skill to squeeze out their opponents, leaving them behind.
Furthermore, the expression can convey the idea of gradually eliminating or reducing someone or something's influence, presence, or resources. This can occur in various contexts such as business, politics, or social dynamics. For instance, a larger company may squeeze out smaller competitors by implementing aggressive marketing strategies or by offering lower prices.
Overall, "squeezes out" encompasses the notions of applying pressure, expelling or extracting, overtaking or outperforming, and gradually reducing or eliminating. It is a versatile phrasal verb that is utilized to describe a range of actions and situations in different domains.
The etymology of the phrase "squeezes out" can be understood by examining the origins of the individual words involved.
1. Squeeze: The word "squeeze" originated from the Old English word "squeezan" which meant "to press hard". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "skwesanan" which had a similar meaning. The word eventually evolved into its current form, retaining the concept of applying force to compress or extract something.
2. Out: The word "out" in this context is a preposition that indicates movement away or removal from a particular place or position. It comes from the Old English word "ūt" which meant "outside" or "away from".
When combined, "squeezes out" refers to the act of applying pressure or force to extract or force something to move away from a particular place or position.