<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to crush with the teeth; chew with a crushing noise.</li><li>to crush or grind noisily.</li><li>to tighten or squeeze financially: <em>The administration's policy seems to crunch the economy in order to combat inflation.</em></li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to chew with a crushing sound.</li><li>to produce, or proceed with, a crushing noise.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>an act or sound of crunching.</li><li>a shortage or reduction of something needed or wanted: <em>the energy crunch</em>.</li><li>distress or depressed conditions due to such a shortage or reduction: <em>a budget crunch</em>.</li><li>a critical or dangerous situation: <em>When the crunch comes, just do your best</em>.</li></ul>