Rush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rush

[rʌʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

quickly moving

to move or act with great haste; hurry

Synonyms

dash, hurry, sprint.

Examples of usage

  • She rushed to catch the bus before it left.
  • He rushed through his homework to go play with his friends.
Context #2 | Noun

busy period

a sudden quick movement forward, typically towards something or someone

Synonyms

flood, influx, surge.

Examples of usage

  • There was a rush of people trying to get tickets for the concert.
  • During the holiday season, there is always a rush at the mall.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling the need to rush can be linked to stress, often making people feel anxious or overwhelmed.
  • Research shows that when people rush, they may make more mistakes because they don't take enough time to think things through.

Pop Culture

  • 'Rush Hour' is a popular movie series featuring action and comedy, highlighting the chaos of hurried city life.
  • The term is often used in sports, like during a 'rush' in football, where players quickly attempt to reach the opponent's end.

Science

  • In fluid dynamics, 'rush' refers to how fast liquids flow, impacting how we understand and manage water resources.
  • In psychology, the concept of 'rush' can also connect to adrenaline events, such as skydiving, where heightened speed causes a thrill.

Literature

  • In various narratives, characters rushing often symbolize urgency and can lead to transformative experiences or critical decisions.
  • Famous authors, like Ernest Hemingway, sometimes depicted characters in a rush to emphasize the importance of time in their stories.

Origin of 'rush'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rush' comes from the Old English word 'rysc', which meant 'reed' and refers to fast growing plants that burst forth.
  • In Middle English, 'rushen' meant to run or hurry, which is related to the current meaning of the word.

The word 'rush' originated in the late Middle English period from the Old English word 'rūscan', meaning 'to drive', 'to urge', or 'to hasten'. Over time, the meaning of 'rush' evolved to encompass the idea of moving quickly or with urgency. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, reflecting the human experience of haste and urgency in different situations.


See also: bulrush, inrush, rushed, rushing, unrushed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,971, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.