Crush, person loved (7)

I believe the answer is:

squeeze

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'crush' is the definition.
(I know that crush can be written as squeeze)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for squeeze that I've seen before include "Grip or grasp" , "Exert pressure on, say orange to get juice" , "Grip and press firmly" , "Darling" , "crowd" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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