Have a Crush On Meaning & Usage

Meaning 1：romantic infatuation (Have a crush on)

Have a crush on 🔊

/hæv ə krʌʃ ɒn/

v. phrase

To have a strong feeling of romantic attraction to someone, especially for a short time or without them knowing.

Have a crush on shy teenager peeking with heart symbols diagram

romantic infatuation 🔊

➕

/roʊˈmæntɪk ɪnˌfætʃuˈeɪʃən/

v. phrase

To experience a brief but intense romantic attraction to someone, often without their knowledge.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Crush slang originates from being overwhelmed by emotion.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a heavy weight crushing your heart when you see that person.

📖 Example

Back in high school, I used to have a crush on the captain of the basketball team and would always watch his games from the stands. 🔊 Back in high school, I used to have a crush on the captain of the basketball team and would always watch his games from the stands.

🔗 Collocations

have a crush on someone – to be romantically infatuated with someone

develop a crush – to start having romantic feelings

childhood crush – a romantic feeling from childhood

🔄 Synonyms

infatuation (n.) – An intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone.

puppy love (n.) – Romantic love felt by young people, often seen as naive.

admire (v.) – To regard with approval and attraction.

🚫 Antonyms

indifference (n.) – Lack of interest or concern.

dislike (n.) – A feeling of aversion or distaste.

🌱 Derivatives

crush (n.) – The object of one's romantic attraction.

crushed (adj.) – Feeling intense romantic attraction (slang).

📖 Cultural Story

Originating as 19th-century American slang, 'crush' symbolized being emotionally 'crushed' by infatuation. Now common to describe secret romantic feelings.