We　propose　a　scheme　to　realize　strong　squeezing　for　a　cavity　field　with　a　single　three-level　atom.　In　the　scheme　the　atom　is　sent　through　the　cavity　initially　filled　with　a　coherent　field.　The　atom　dispersively　interacts　with　the　cavity　field,　which　is　displaced　by　a　microwave　resource　during　the　interaction.　Then,　a　selective　measurement　on　the　atom　collapses　the　field　to　a　superposition　of　an　even　coherent　state　with　a　vacuum　state,　which　exhibits　strong　squeezing.　The　scheme　can　also　be　generalized　to　the　two-mode　case.　©　2007　Elsevier　B.V.　All　rights　reserved.