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Is the word amassar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the literal meanings of "amassar" (to crush, to flatten, or to knead) are identical in both Brazil and Portugal, the word has significant differences in typical usage due to Brazilian slang. In Brazil, "amassar" is frequently used colloquially to mean "to defeat someone decisively" (in sports or arguments) or "to kiss someone passionately." In Portugal, these slang applications are not native; a Portuguese person would much more likely use "esmagar" for a crushing defeat or "beijar" for the act of kissing. Additionally, for the concept of "wrinkled" clothing, Brazilians use "amassar," whereas the term "amachucar" is much more common in Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. "Eu acabei por amassar a minha camisa no transporte público." (I ended up wrinkling my shirt on public transport.)
  2. "Você precisa amassar bem a massa do pão." (You need to knead the bread dough well.)
  3. "O nosso time amassou o adversário no segundo tempo." (Our team crushed the opponent in the second half.)
  4. "Eles ficaram se amassando no canto da festa." (They were making out in the corner of the party.)
  5. "Cuidado para não amassar a lata de alumínio." (Be careful not to crush the aluminum can.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. "Eu acabei por amachucar a minha camisa no transporte público." (I ended up wrinkling my shirt on public transport.)
  2. "É necessário amassar bem a massa do pão." (It is necessary to knead the bread dough well.)
  3. "O nosso clube esmagou o adversário no segundo tempo." (Our club crushed the opponent in the second half.)
  4. "Eles estavam a beijar-se no canto da festa." (They were kissing in the corner of the party.)
  5. "Cuidado para não esmagar a lata de alumínio." (Be careful not to crush the aluminum can.)