Push Meaning
/pʊʃ/Definition, CEFR level A1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo apply a force to (an object) such that it moves away from the person or thing applying the force.
verbTo continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
Sentence Examples
In case of an emergency, push this button.
The students wanted us to help push the car.
She gave him a gentle push.
CEFR Practice Quiz
He had to ____ the heavy door open because it was stuck and wouldn't move.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She had to ____ the heavy wardrobe across the room to reach the socket behind it.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English pushen, poshen, posson, borrowed from Middle French pousser (Modern French pousser) from Old French poulser, from Latin pulsare (“to beat, strike”), frequentative of pellere (past participle pulsus). Doublet of pulsate and pulse (verb). Partly displaced native Old English sċūfan, whence Modern English shove.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"We are pushed for an answer."
— December 7, 1710, Jonathan Swift, The Examiner, Number 18
"to push his fortune"
— 1667, John Dryden, Annus Mirabilis: The Year of Wonders, 1666. […], London: […] Henry Herringman, […], →OCLC, stanza 133:
"Earlier the premier had rejected outright suggestions, apparently being pushed by up to a third of the government’s 33-member caucus, that the government forget the deficit and launch a major public initiative to stimulate the economy."
— 1982 December 11, Frances Russell, “Economic performance buoys Pawley’s position”, in The Vancouver Sun (The Weekend Sun), Vancouver, BC, page A6:
"Don't think that if you keep pushing harder and harder, it will make you succeed faster or earn more."
— 2016, JoAnneh Nagler, How to be an artist without losing your mind, your shirt, or your creative compass, →ISBN, page 91:
"Don't be mad at me 'cause you're pushing thirty / And your old tricks no longer work"
— 2004, Amy Winehouse, Salaam Remi, “Fuck Me Pumps”, in Frank, performed by Amy Winehouse:
Explore More A1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
He had to ____ the heavy door open because it was stuck and wouldn't move.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She had to ____ the heavy wardrobe across the room to reach the socket behind it.