ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pushing

adj. · n. · v.
US //ˈpʊʃɪŋ// UK //pˈʊʃɪŋ// push·ing
  1. 1 determined or aggressive (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    being very determined to succeed, sometimes in a way that annoys other people.

    characterised by aggressive ambition or an assertive, sometimes intrusive, desire to succeed.

    Example

    The pushing salesman wouldn't let me leave the shop without buying something.

    Example

    Her pushing nature helped her climb the corporate ladder quickly, though it occasionally alienated her more reserved colleagues.

  2. 2 the act of a push (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the physical act of moving something by pressing against it.

    the action of exerting pressure or force against an object to move it.

    Example

    With a final pushing of the door, they managed to get inside the old house.

    Example

    The constant pushing and shoving in the crowd made it difficult for the security guards to maintain order near the stage.

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  1. 3 approaching an age (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    getting close to a certain age, usually an older one.

    approaching a specific age or numerical limit; used in the progressive form.

    Example

    My uncle is pushing seventy, but he still goes for a run every morning.

    Example

    Although he is pushing eighty, the professor maintains a rigorous research schedule and lectures at several international conferences annually.

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