First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1push
verb \ˈpu̇sh\
: to use force to move (someone or something) forward or away from you
: to go forward while using your hands, arms etc., to forcefully move people or things that are blocking you
: to force or try to force or persuade (someone) to do something
Full Definition of PUSH
transitive verb
1
a : to press against with force in order to drive or impel b : to move or endeavor to move away or ahead by steady pressure without striking
2
3
a : to press or urge forward to completion b : to urge or press the advancement, adoption, or practice of <pushed a bill in the legislature>; especially : to make aggressive efforts to sell <we're pushing ham this week> c : to engage in the illicit sale of (narcotics)
4
: to bear hard upon so as to involve in difficulty <poverty pushed them to the breaking point>
5
: to approach in age or number <grandmother must be pushing 75>
intransitive verb
1
: to press against something with steady force in or as if in order to impel
2
: to press forward energetically against opposition
3
: to exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end <pushing for higher wages>
— push one's luck
: to take an increasing risk
See push defined for English-language learners
See push defined for kids
Origin of PUSH
Middle English possen, pusshen, probably from Old French pousser to exert pressure, from Latin pulsare, frequentative of pellere to drive, strike — more at felt
2push
noun
: an act of pushing something or someone
: a large, organized military attack
: a strong, continuous effort to get or achieve something
Full Definition of PUSH
1
: a vigorous effort to attain an end : drive: a : a military assault or offensive b : an advance that overcomes obstacles c : a campaign to promote a product
2
: a time for action : emergency
3
4
a : an exertion of influence to promote another's interests b : stimulation to activity : impetus
— push comes to shove
: a decisive moment comes <backed down when push came to shove>
See push defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PUSH
circa 1560
Other Business Terms
PUSH
abbreviation
Definition of PUSH
People United to Serve Humanity
PUSH Defined for Kids
1push
verb \ˈpu̇sh\
pushedpush·ing
Definition of PUSH for Kids
1
: to press against with force so as to drive or move away <He helped push a car out of the snow.>
2
: to force forward, downward, or outward <The tree is pushing its roots deep in the soil.>
3
: to go or make go ahead <I had to push to finish the swim.>
4
: to pressure to do something or work hard at something <The teacher pushed her students to succeed.>
2push
noun
Definition of PUSH for Kids
1
: a sudden thrust : shove <Pa gave the rotten tree a push and it fell over.>
2
: a steady applying of force in a direction away from the body from which it comes <We gave the car a push up the hill.>
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