bear down

verb

Definition of BEAR DOWN

transitive verb

intransitive verb

: to exert full strength and concentrated attention

— bear down on

: to weigh heavily on : burden

See bear down defined for kids

14th century

Medical Dictionary

intransitive verb \(ˈ)ba(ə)r-ˈdau̇n, (ˈ)be(ə)r-\

: to contract the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm during childbirth

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