‘挤兑’ (jǐ duì) is a financial term referring to a sudden, large-scale withdrawal of deposits from a bank or financial institution, often triggered by rumors or loss of confidence — what English calls a 'bank run.' The character 挤 means 'to squeeze' or 'to crowd,' suggesting pressure and urgency; 兑 means 'to exchange' (as in exchanging deposits for cash), reflecting the act of demanding immediate liquidity. Together, they vividly convey the idea of many depositors simultaneously pressing the bank to convert deposits into cash.

This term is used almost exclusively in formal economic, journalistic, or regulatory contexts — not in casual speech. It implies systemic risk and can trigger government intervention. While historically associated with banks, it may also apply metaphorically to other institutions facing mass redemption pressure, such as fund managers or cryptocurrency platforms during crises. It carries strong negative connotations of instability and panic.