# push

/ˈpʊʃ/ (US) · /pˈʊʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/push
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to move something away

verb · CEFR A1

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

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

- You have to push the door hard because the lock is a bit rusty.
- The crowd began to push against the barriers as the gates finally opened for the evening performance.

### 2. to persuade or pressure

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- My parents didn't push me to go to university; they let me choose my own path.
- The sales team was instructed to push the new software package during every client consultation this quarter.

### 3. to send data

verb · CEFR B2 · Technical

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

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

- The app will push a notification to your phone when your order is ready.
- The developers decided to push the security patch to all active users immediately to prevent further system vulnerabilities.

### 4. a physical act

noun · CEFR A2

the act of moving something away from you with force.

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

- The car wouldn't start, so we had to give it a push.
- A gentle push was all it took to send the small boat drifting out into the calm lake water.

### 5. a strong effort

noun · CEFR B1

a big effort to finish something or reach a goal.

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

- We need one final push to finish the project before the weekend.
- The charity made a massive push for donations in the final week of the annual fundraising campaign.

### 6. a tie in betting

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- The game ended in a push, so I got my money back from the bookie.
- Because the final score landed exactly on the predicted margin, the bet was declared a push and all stakes were refunded.

## Examples

- Give the door a hard push to open it.
- The marketing team is making a final push to increase sales before the end of the year.
- The infantry's coordinated push across the valley was met with stiff resistance, forcing the commanding officers to reconsider their tactical approach to the ridge.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.