push

push [poosh]

vt.

[ME posshen < MFr pousser < OFr poulser < L pulsare, to beat < pulsus: see PULSE¹]

1.

a) to exert pressure or force against, esp. so as to move

b) to move in this way

c) to thrust, shove, or drive (up, down, in, out, etc.)

2.

a) to urge on; impel; press

b) to follow up vigorously; promote (a campaign, claim, etc.)

c) to extend or expand (business activities, etc.)

3. to bring into a critical state; esp., to make critically in need [to be pushed for time]

4. to urge or promote the use, sale, success, etc. of

☆ 5. Informal to be near or close to [pushing seventy years of age ]

☆ 6. Baseball Golf to hit (the ball) and make it go to the right or, if one is left-handed, to the left

vi.

1. to press against a thing so as to move it

2. to put forth great effort, as in seeking advancement

3. to move forward against opposition

4. to move by being pushed

n.

1. the act of pushing

2. a thing to be pushed so as to work a mechanism

3. a vigorous effort, campaign, etc.

4. an advance against opposition

5. pressure of affairs or of circumstances

6. an emergency

7. Informal aggressiveness; enterprise; drive

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☆ push comes to shove

Informal matters become serious or reach a critical point where some action or decision is required: preceded by when or if

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push off

Informal to set out; depart

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push on

to proceed; continue advancing