Squishing

Squishing refers to the act of applying pressure to an object, causing it to deform or flatten. This deformation can be temporary, with the object returning to its original shape once the pressure is removed, or permanent, resulting in a lasting change in form. The force applied can vary from gentle squeezing to considerable compression, depending on the material and the desired outcome.

The phenomenon of squishing is observable in a wide range of everyday situations. Soft materials like playdough, foam, or even soft fruits are easily squished due to their pliable nature. When squeezed, these materials yield to the applied force, their internal structure rearranging to accommodate the reduction in volume. Conversely, rigid materials like rocks or metal are much more resistant to squishing and require significantly greater force to deform.

In a scientific context, squishing relates to concepts in physics and materials science, such as stress, strain, and elasticity. Stress is the force applied per unit area, while strain is the resulting deformation. Elasticity describes a material's ability to return to its original shape after the stress is removed. Some materials, like rubber bands, exhibit high elasticity and can be significantly squished and then return to their original form. Other materials, like clay, undergo plastic deformation, meaning they retain their squished shape. The term can also be used informally to describe a feeling of being compressed or overwhelmed.