Push: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday situations when you need to move something away from you by applying pressure.

• She had to push the door open to get inside.
• Help me push the car to the side of the road.

Usually implies pushing something or someone roughly or with force. Often has a negative connotation.

• He shoved his way through the crowded room.
• Don't shove me, I can walk on my own.

Implies a sudden, strong movement forward, often with an element of force or intensity.

• She thrust the spear into the ground.
• He thrust his hand out to shake hers.

Used when you need to apply downward pressure on something, often with care or precision.

• Press the button to start the machine.
• She pressed the cloth to remove the wrinkles.

Often used in contexts where strength or power is applied to make something happen or move. Can imply urgency or aggression.

• He had to force the window open because it was stuck.
• The police forced their way into the building.

Best used when you need to apply strong pressure or force someone to take action. This can sometimes have a negative connotation if overdone.

• He tried to push his team to meet the tight deadlines
• She felt pushed into making a decision she wasn't ready for

More suitable when you aim to support, inspire, or give confidence to someone without applying pressure.

• Teachers should encourage their students to ask questions
• My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams

Used when you strongly advocate or recommend that someone do something, typically with a sense of urgency or importance.

• Doctors urge patients to quit smoking
• Environmentalists urge the government to take immediate action on climate change

Used when you aim to give someone a reason or incentive to do something, focusing on boosting their internal drive.

• What motivates you to work hard? The speech was meant to motivate the team before the big game

Often used when you need to cause someone to take action quickly or remind someone to do something. This word can have both neutral and slightly urgent tones.

• The teacher prompted the student to answer the question
• His hunger prompted him to go out and buy some food

General context where you need to move something or encourage someone to take action.

• She had to push the door to open it
• He always pushes himself to achieve his goals

Contexts involving sudden and forceful movement, can be used both physically and metaphorically.

• He thrust the spear towards his opponent
• The company's new policy aims to thrust them forward in the market

Physical contexts where forceful and often rough pushing is involved, generally with a negative connotation.

• He gave her a gentle shove to get her attention
• The crowd started to shove each other to get closer to the stage

Situations involving force or influence to make someone do something, can be both positive and negative.

• The pressure to perform well at work can be intense
• Parents sometimes pressure their children to study harder

Technical or scientific contexts, typically referring to the action of driving or pushing forward, usually related to transportation.

• The rocket’s propulsion system is critical for its launch
• Engineers are working on new methods of propulsion for electric cars