Shove Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shove
[ʃʌv ]
Definition
push forcefully
To push someone or something forcefully. It can be used both literally and figuratively.
Synonyms
jostle, push, shove off, thrust.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shove |
Used when someone is moving something or someone forcefully, usually with their hands, often in a rough or aggressive manner. Can have a negative connotation.
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| push |
A general term for applying force to move something or someone, often with hands. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts and doesn't necessarily have a negative connotation.
|
| thrust |
Describes a sudden or forceful forward movement, often with an element of aggression or urgency. Can be used both in physical and metaphorical contexts.
|
| jostle |
Typically used when people are crowded together and bumping or pushing each other, either intentionally or unintentionally. Often used to describe being in a busy or crowded place.
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| shove off |
Mainly used as a slang phrase meaning to leave or go away, often used in a dismissive or rude manner.
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Examples of usage
- He shoved the door open and stormed into the room.
- She shoved her way through the crowd to get to the front.
- Don't shove me, I'm trying to concentrate.
- The boss constantly shoves more work onto his employees.
- I don't appreciate being shoved aside in meetings.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that physical pushing can trigger feelings of aggression, often reflecting social dynamics.
- In social settings, the act of shoving is typically seen as a negative interaction, indicating conflict.
- It can evoke strong emotional responses, both for the person shoving and the one being shoved.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'shove it' is used to express rejection or dismissal, often in a playful or rebellious manner.
- In various movies and shows, shoving is commonly used as a physical comedy element to create humorous scenes.
- Big-time sports events often feature shoving as players jostle for position or during celebrations, showcasing competitive spirit.
Physics
- A shove is a basic example of Newton's second law of motion: Force is equal to mass times acceleration.
- When you shove, you apply an external force which can change the motion of objects.
- The impact of a shove can vary significantly based on the mass of the person or object being pushed.
Literature
- Shoving often appears in stories as a physical manifestation of conflict or tension between characters.
- In classic literature, shoving has been used as a dramatic device to escalate confrontations.
- The imagery of shoving can symbolize deeper themes such as power struggles or emotional turmoil within characters.
Origin of 'shove'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shove' comes from the Old English 'ciefan', which meant to push or move.
- It has been part of the English language since at least the 14th century.
- The word is related to similar words in other languages, such as the German 'schieben', meaning to push or slide.
The word 'shove' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'scufan', meaning 'to push'. Over time, the word has retained its core meaning of pushing forcefully. The usage of 'shove' has been documented in various contexts throughout history, illustrating its importance in communication and everyday interactions.