Search results for 'push':

push verb (pushes, pushed, pushing) 1 (often push against, at or on something) to exert pressure to force it away from one; to press, thrust or shove it. 2 to hold (eg a wheelchair, trolley, pram, etc) and move it forward in front of one. 3 tr & intr (often push through, in or past, etc) to force one's way, thrusting aside people or obstacles. 4 intrans to progress especially laboriously. 5 to force in a specified direction • push up prices. 6 (often push someone into something) to coax, urge, persuade or goad them to do it • pushed me into agreeing. 7 to pressurize someone (or oneself) into working harder, achieving more, etc. 8 (usually push for something) to recommend it strongly; to campaign or press for it. 9 to promote (products) or urge (acceptance of ideas). 10 to sell (drugs) illegally. noun (pushes) 1 an act of pushing; a thrust or shove. 2 a burst of effort towards achieving something. 3 determination, aggression or drive. at a push colloq if forced; at a pinch. be pushing colloq to be nearly (a specified age) • She is pushing 30. get the push colloq to be dismissed from a job, etc; to be rejected by someone. give someone the push to dismiss or reject them.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from French pousser, from Latin pulsare, from pellere, pulsum.