Push

v. t. [imp. & p. p. PUSHED (pŏŏsht); p. pr. & vb. n. PUSHING.] [Fr. pousser, Pr. polsar, Sp. & Pg. pulsar, puxar, It. bussare, Lat. pulsare, v. intens. from pellere, pulsum, to beat, knock, push. Cf. POSS.]

1Sense 1. To press against with force; to drive or impel by pressure; or to endeavor to drive by steady pressure, without striking;—opposed to draw. “Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat.” Milton.

2Sense 2. To strike with the end of the horns; to thrust the points of horns against; to butt.

If the ox shall push a man-servant or maid-servant, . . . the ox shall be stoned. Ex. xxi. 32.

3Sense 3. To press or urge forward; to drive; as, to push an objection too far.

He forewarns his care, With rules to push his fortune, or to bear. Dryden.

Ambition pushes the soul to such actions as are apt to procure honor to the actor. Spectator.

4Sense 4. To embarrass by arguments; to press.

We are pushed for an answer. Swift.

5Sense 5. To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.

To push down, to overthrow by pushing or impulse.

n. 1. A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.

2Sense 2. Any pressure, impulse, or force applied; as, to give the ball the first push.

3Sense 3. An assault or attack; a forcible onset; a vigorous effort.

Exact reformation is not to be perfected at the first push. Milton.

4Sense 4. The occasion for thrusting forward or making an attack; circumstances which press or push one; emergency; exigency; trial; extremity.

When it comes to the push, it is no more than talk. L’Estrange.

5Sense 5. A little swelling or pustule; a wheal; a pimple; an eruption. Bacon.

Synonyms—See THRUST.