Shove: meaning, definitions and examples

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shove

[ʃʌv ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

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. He shoved the door open angrily. She shoved him out of the way.
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. He pushed the cart down the aisle. She pushed him gently towards the exit.
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. She thrust the paper into my hands. He thrust the spear forward with all his might.
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. The commuters jostled each other on the crowded train. I was jostled by other shoppers in the busy market.
shove off	Mainly used as a slang phrase meaning to leave or go away, often used in a dismissive or rude manner. He told me to shove off when I asked for help. It's getting late, we should shove off soon.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "shove" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empurrar

🇮🇳 धक्का देना

🇩🇪 schieben

🇮🇩 mendorong

🇺🇦 штовхати

🇵🇱 pchać

🇯🇵 押す (osu)

🇫🇷 pousser

🇪🇸 empujar

🇹🇷 itmek

🇰🇷 밀다 (milda)

🇸🇦 دفع (dafaa)

🇨🇿 strčit

🇸🇰 strčiť

🇨🇳 推 (tuī)

🇸🇮 potisniti

🇮🇸 ýta

🇰🇿 итеру

🇬🇪 გაჩეჩვა (gachechva)

🇦🇿 itələmək

🇲🇽 empujar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,952, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16949 grumbled
16950 substandard
16951 fluidity
16952 shove
16953 frustrate
16954 revolted
16955 technic
...