Added 8 October 2026
push
/pʊʃ/ verb
In Latin: trūdō, pello Wiktionary
verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about push at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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To apply a force to (an object) such that it moves away from the person or thing applying the force.
In his anger he pushed me against the wall and threatened me.
- To continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
-
To press or urge forward; to drive.
to push an objection too far; to push one's luck
noun
-
A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.
Give the door a hard push if it sticks.
-
An act of tensing the muscles of the abdomen in order to expel its contents.
One more push and the baby will be out.
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A great effort (to do something).
Some details got lost in the push to get the project done.
noun
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)