zwängen
Translation
to squeeze, to force, to cram, to wedge
Examples
Er musste sich in den engen Anzug zwängen.
He had to squeeze into the tight suit.
Sie zwängte die Kleidung in den Koffer.
She crammed the clothes into the suitcase.
Grammar Patterns
((oneself)) ((into sth.)) to squeeze oneself into sth. Er musste sich in den engen Anzug zwängen.
((sth.)) ((into sth.)) to cram sth. into sth. Sie zwängte die Kleidung in den Koffer.
Similar Words
Synonyms: drücken, pressen, quetschen; Antonyms: lockern, befreien.
Etymology
From Old High German 'zwengen', related to 'Zwang' (compulsion, force). The root implies pressure or constraint.
Memory Tips
Imagine being stuck between 'zwei engen' (two narrow) walls. You have to 'zwängen' (squeeze) yourself through.