To waste money, time, or resources carelessly or foolishly instead of using them wisely.
Origin uncertain, possibly from Dutch 'squanderen' or Italian 'squanderare,' but the exact root is debated. First appeared in English around 1600 with the meaning 'to scatter or disperse.'
Squander specifically emphasizes recklessness and carelessness—you don't just waste something, you throw it away without thinking, which is why the word sounds almost disapproving compared to the neutral 'waste.'
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