Rushing: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

rushing

 

[ˈrʌʃɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

fast movement

Moving or acting with great haste; hurrying or running quickly. To hurry or act quickly; to move or advance rapidly.

Synonyms

darting, hastening, hurrying, speeding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rushing

Used when someone is moving very quickly to complete a task or get somewhere, often with a sense of urgency or lack of time.

  • She was rushing to catch the train
  • He was rushing through his homework to go out with his friends
hurrying

Moving quickly to complete a task or to get somewhere on time, similar to rushing but often implies more deliberate and conscious effort.

  • She was hurrying to finish her project before the deadline
  • The kids were hurrying to get ready for school
speeding

Specifically means moving at a high speed, often used in the context of vehicles or running fast. Can have a negative connotation when it refers to breaking speed limits.

  • The car was speeding down the highway
  • He got a ticket for speeding in a school zone
hastening

Implies moving quickly with a sense of purpose, often to avoid delay. Can sometimes suggest urgency but in a more formal or literary context.

  • She was hastening her steps to avoid being late
  • The soldiers were hastening to reinforce their comrades
darting

Generally describes very quick, sudden movements, often in short bursts. Can be used for both people and animals.

  • The cat was darting across the room to catch the laser pointer
  • His eyes were darting around the room, looking for an escape

Examples of usage

  • He was rushing to catch the bus.
  • She rushed to finish her work before the deadline.
  • The water was rushing down the stream.
Context #2 | Noun

feeling of urgency

A feeling of urgency or intense pressure. The state of being in a hurry or moving quickly.

Synonyms

hurry, pressure, urgency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rushing

Used when someone is moving quickly because they lack time.

  • She was rushing to catch the train.
  • They were rushing to finish the project before the deadline.
urgency

Refers to a state of importance requiring swift action. Can be emotional or situational.

  • There was a sense of urgency in her voice.
  • The urgency of the medical situation required immediate attention.
pressure

Describes a situation where someone feels stress or is forced to act quickly, but is not necessarily moving physically fast. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • She feels a lot of pressure to perform well at work.
  • The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming.
hurry

Commonly used to describe quick actions or movements due to a time constraint, but can also imply less panic than 'rushing'.

  • If you want to make it to the movie on time, you need to hurry.
  • In a hurry, he forgot to lock the door.

Examples of usage

  • She was in a rush to get to the meeting on time.
  • I felt a rush of adrenaline as I approached the finish line.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'rushing' comes from the Middle English word 'ruschen,' which means to move quickly.
  • It evolved from the Old English 'ryscan,' which also indicates hastiness in action or movement.
  • The transformation from noun to verb form reflects a natural progression in language to describe dynamic actions.

Psychology

  • Rushing often leads to increased stress and anxiety, as our brains struggle to keep up with rapid movement.
  • People who frequently rush can experience diminished attention, making them prone to mistakes.
  • Studies suggest that slowing down can enhance productivity and creativity, counteracting the negative effects of rushing.

Pop Culture

  • Rushing is a common theme in many action films where characters must hurry against a deadline, emphasizing urgency.
  • Songs like 'Runaway' reflect the rush of feelings and relationships, resonating with many listeners who relate to hurry in personal contexts.
  • Television shows often depict characters rushing through life’s challenges for comedic or dramatic effect, showcasing relatable moments.

Science

  • In nature, creatures like cheetahs exemplify rushing as they sprint to catch prey, showcasing speed and agility.
  • Hydrodynamics studies how rushing water can erode landscapes, altering environments and affecting ecosystems.
  • The 'rush' of particles in high-energy physics experiments helps scientists understand fundamental forces in the universe.

Literature

  • In literary works, rushing can signify a character's internal conflict or broader societal issues, symbolizing chaos or urgency.
  • Famous authors, like James Joyce, often depict characters in a rush to explore modern life's complexities.
  • Poetry sometimes uses rushing as a metaphor for lost time or missed opportunities, offering reflections on the human experience.

Translations

Translations of the word "rushing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 correndo

🇮🇳 दौड़ना

🇩🇪 eilen

🇮🇩 bergegas

🇺🇦 поспішаючи

🇵🇱 pędzenie

🇯🇵 急いで

🇫🇷 se précipiter

🇪🇸 corriendo

🇹🇷 koşmak

🇰🇷 서두르기

🇸🇦 الركض

🇨🇿 spěchání

🇸🇰 ponáhľanie

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 hitenje

🇮🇸 að flýta sér

🇰🇿 жүгіру

🇬🇪 სიჩქარე

🇦🇿 qaçmaq

🇲🇽 corriendo

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,576 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.