Pushing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pushing

[ˈpʊʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

Moving something away by applying force to it; exerting pressure against something in order to move it away.

Synonyms

press, propel, shove, thrust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pushing	Suitable for general situations where a force is applied to move something or someone, either physically or figuratively. She was pushing the stroller through the park He's pushing for stricter safety regulations at work
shove	Implies a rough or violent effort to push someone or something, often with a negative connotation. He shoved his way through the crowded hallway She shoved the door open, angry and frustrated
press	Best used when applying force steadily on a surface or when urging someone to take action or make a decision. He pressed the button to start the machine The reporter pressed the politician for more answers
propel	Used when referring to moving something forward, often with force or momentum. Commonly used in mechanical or scientific contexts. The rocket engines propel the spacecraft into orbit Her determination propelled her to win the race
thrust	Used when describing a sudden or forceful push, often in a more aggressive or dynamic context. The knight thrust his sword into the enemy She thrust the paperwork into his hands, demanding immediate attention

Examples of usage

He was pushing the car up the hill.
She pushed the door open with her shoulder.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

encouragement

Encouraging or urging someone to do something.

Synonyms

encourage, motivate, prompt, urge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pushing	Use when someone is applying force or effort to move something or someone, often used in a physical context. Can imply persistence and sometimes has a negative connotation if it feels too aggressive. She kept pushing the heavy door until it finally opened He's always pushing his ideas on others
encourage	Applied when someone is giving support, confidence, or hope to someone else. It has a positive and nurturing connotation. Her parents always encourage her to pursue her dreams The coach encouraged the team to keep practicing
urge	Applied when someone strongly advises or tries to persuade someone to do something. It denotes a sense of urgency and importance, and can sometimes feel forceful. The doctor urged him to quit smoking She urged her friend to apply for the job
motivate	Used when someone is providing a reason or incentive to do something, often to inspire action or effort. It has a positive connotation. The inspiring speech motivated the students to work harder Rewards motivated him to complete his tasks on time
prompt	Used when someone causes or brings about an action or feeling by giving a reminder or cue. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts. The teacher's question prompted a lively discussion Seeing the advertisement prompted him to buy the product

Examples of usage

She kept pushing him to apply for the job.
The coach is pushing the team to train harder.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

effort

The act of exerting force in order to move something away.

Synonyms

drive, effort, impulse, thrust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pushing	This word is often used when describing the physical act of moving something away from oneself or applying force to move an object. She was pushing the heavy cart down the aisle. He kept pushing the door, but it wouldn't budge.
effort	Effort describes the use of physical or mental energy to achieve something. It emphasizes the work or exertion put into an activity. She put a lot of effort into completing the project. Running a marathon takes considerable effort.
thrust	Thrust implies a strong, sudden push or drive. It can describe both physical movements and figurative actions like aggressively pursuing a goal. He thrust the spear forward. The company's thrust for market dominance is evident.
drive	Drive can describe a strong motivation or ambition to achieve something. It can also refer to the act of operating a vehicle. Her drive to succeed is impressive. They went for a drive in the countryside.
impulse	Impulse is a sudden desire or inclination to act without thinking. It can also refer to a quick, often involuntary movement or reaction. He bought the gift on an impulse. She felt an impulse to laugh during the meeting.

Examples of usage

With one final push, they managed to move the boulder.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Pushing in a psychological context can refer to motivating someone to take action.
The concept of 'push' is cited often in behavior modification strategies to encourage positive change.
Studies show that people may respond better to positive push-type feedback rather than negative criticism.

Sports

In sports, a 'push' can refer to a common tactic where players apply force to gain an advantage.
In rugby, players often use pushing to gain ground against the opposing team.
Push techniques are essential in martial arts, where they can be used in throws or to maintain distance from an opponent.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'pushing boundaries' is often used in discussions about art, music, and social issues, meaning to challenge limits.
In movies, pushing characters often symbolizes growth and overcoming obstacles, which resonates with audiences.
Popular gaming culture also features 'pushing' mechanics in different genres, signifying strategy and progression.

Physics

In physics, pushing involves applying a force that can cause a change in motion as described by Newton's laws.
Pushes can lead to kinetic energy changes, crucial in understanding movement dynamics.
Understanding pushes and pulls is fundamental for grasping concepts like friction and acceleration in mechanics.

Origin of 'pushing'

Main points about word origin

The word has roots in the Middle English 'pushen,' which meant to push or thrust.
It likely comes from the Old French word 'pousser,' which has the same meaning.
The oldest recorded use of the word dates back to the 14th century.

The word 'push' originated from the Old French word 'poulser' meaning 'to push, press, or drive.' It entered the English language in the 14th century. The concept of pushing has been essential in human evolution, from physical movements to metaphorical pushes for progress and success.

See also: push, pushbike, pushchair, pusher, pushily, pushover, pushpin, pushy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,594 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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