n.
Pronunciation: ' pu ̇ sh
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English possen, pusshen, probably from Old French pousser to exert pressure, from Latin pulsare, frequentative of pellere to drive, strike ― more at FELT
Date: 13th century
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 a : to thrust forward, downward, or outward b : to cause to increase : RAISE < push prices to record levels> c : to try to move beyond or expand < push one's limits> d : to hit (a ball) toward the right from a right-handed swing or toward the left from a left-handed swing ― compare PULL
3 a : to press or urge forward to completion b : to urge or press the advancement, adoption, or practice of < push ed a bill in the legislature> especially : to make aggressive efforts to sell <we're push ing ham this week> c : to engage in the illicit sale of (narcotics)
4 : to bear hard upon so as to involve in difficulty <poverty push ed them to the breaking point>
5 : to approach in age or number <grandmother must be push ing 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 < push ing for higher wages>
– push one's luck : to take an increasing risk