crush on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To really like someone in a romantic way, especially when they don't know about it.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To have a romantic infatuation or strong admiration for someone, often unrequited.
"Half the class is crushing on the new drama teacher."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To have a long-standing admiration for a celebrity or public figure.
"She has been crushing on that actor ever since she saw his first film ten years ago."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in informal speech, especially among younger speakers. Often used with 'have a crush on' (noun form) or 'be crushing on'. Associated with young love or celebrity infatuation. Not usually used for serious adult relationships.
Commonly used with
classmate celebrity neighbour teacher coworker stranger
Forms
Base
crush on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
crushes on
he/she/it
Past simple
crushed on
yesterday
Past participle
crushed on
have + pp
-ing form
crushing on
continuous
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Synonyms
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