push

[[t]pʊʃ[/t]]

v. t.

1) to press against (a thing) with force in order to move it away

2) to move (something) in a specified way by exerting force:

to push the door open[/ex]

3) to accomplish by pushing:

to push one's way through a crowd[/ex]

4) to cause to extend or project; thrust

5) to urge to some action or course:

His parents pushed him to get a job[/ex]

6) to press (an action, proposal, etc.) with energy and insistence:

to push a bill through Congress[/ex]

7) to carry (an action or thing) toward a conclusion or completion

8) to press the adoption, use, sale, etc., of:

to push inferior merchandise[/ex]

9) to press or bear hard upon:

to push a witness for an answer[/ex]

10) to cause difficulties because of a specified lack (usu. fol. by for):

I'm pushed for time[/ex]

11) pha sts Slang. to peddle (illicit drugs)

12) cvb inf Informal. to be approaching a specified age, speed, etc

13) to exert a thrusting force upon something

14) to proceed by shoving

15) to make one's way with effort or persistence

16) cvb to extend or project

17) to put forth vigorous or persistent efforts:

to push for repeal of a bill[/ex]

18) cvb pha Slang. to sell illicit drugs

19) to move on being pushed

20) phv push around, to intimidate or bully

21) phv push off, Informal. to go away; depart

22) phv push on, to proceed; press forward

23) the act of pushing; a shove or thrust

24) a vigorous effort or campaign

25) a vigorous and determined advance or military attack

26) the pressure of circumstances, activities, etc

27) inf Informal. persevering energy; enterprise

28) inf Informal. a crowd or company of people

•

- when or if push comes to shove

Etymology: 1250–1300; ME pushen, poshen, posson (v.) < MF pousser, OF po(u) lser < L pulsāre. See pulsate