ENGLISH
REFERENCE

push

v. · n.
US //ˈpʊʃ// UK //pˈʊʃ// push
  1. 1 to move something away (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to use your hands or body to move something away from you.

    to apply physical force to an object so that it moves away from the source of the force.

    Example

    You have to push the door hard because the lock is a bit rusty.

    Example

    The crowd began to push against the barriers as the gates finally opened for the evening performance.
  2. 2 to persuade or pressure (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to try to make someone do something or agree with you.

    to exert pressure or influence on someone to adopt a specific course of action or belief.

    Example

    My parents didn't push me to go to university; they let me choose my own path.

    Example

    The sales team was instructed to push the new software package during every client consultation this quarter.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 to send data (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    to send information or an update from one computer to another.

    to transmit data or software updates from a server to a client without a specific request.

    Example

    The app will push a notification to your phone when your order is ready.

    Example

    The developers decided to push the security patch to all active users immediately to prevent further system vulnerabilities.
  2. 4 a physical act (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the act of moving something away from you with force.

    a single, directed application of physical force against an object.

    Example

    The car wouldn't start, so we had to give it a push.

    Example

    A gentle push was all it took to send the small boat drifting out into the calm lake water.
  3. 5 a strong effort (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a big effort to finish something or reach a goal.

    a determined or concerted effort to achieve a specific objective, often against resistance.

    Example

    We need one final push to finish the project before the weekend.

    Example

    The charity made a massive push for donations in the final week of the annual fundraising campaign.
  4. 6 a tie in betting (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a situation in a game or bet where nobody wins or loses.

    a result in wagering where the outcome matches the spread or line exactly, resulting in the return of the original stake.

    Example

    The game ended in a push, so I got my money back from the bookie.

    Example

    Because the final score landed exactly on the predicted margin, the bet was declared a push and all stakes were refunded.
Etymology 1

From Middle English pushen, poshen, posson, borrowed from Middle French pousser (Modern French pousser) from Old French poulser, from Latin pulsare (“to beat, strike”), frequentative of pellere (past participle pulsus). Doublet of pulsate and pulse (verb). Partly displaced native Old English sċūfan, whence Modern English shove.

Etymology 2

Probably French poche. See pouch.

Idioms11 entries

© 2026 English Reference