Jostling: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when talking about people moving in a crowded space where they are bumping into each other lightly.

• The concert hall was so packed that everyone was jostling to find a good spot

Used when you want to describe someone applying force to move another person or object away.

• She had to push the door hard to open it because it was stuck

Implies a more forceful or aggressive push and often has a negative connotation.

• He gave the door a shove, causing it to swing open with a loud bang

Suitable for describing light, accidental contact between people or objects.

• I accidentally bumped into him while walking down the hallway

Often used when people are moving around in a crowded space and bumping into each other unintentionally. It can be physical or just mean competing intensely for something.

• People were jostling for space in the crowded subway car
• Athletes were jostling for the lead in the race

Used to describe an intentional act of applying force to move someone or something away. It has a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on the situation.

• He was pushing the cart down the aisle
• The crowd started pushing forward to get closer to the stage

This word implies a more forceful or aggressive push and usually carries a negative connotation. Often used when describing rough or rude behavior.

• The man was shoving people out of the way to get to the front
• The kids were shoving each other while waiting in line

Refers to a light, often accidental, contact or collision. Commonly used for minor, unintentional impacts.

• She kept bumping into people as she tried to make her way through the festival
• He bumped his head on the low door frame