# shoving

/ˈʃəvɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈʌvɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoving
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

pushing someone or something in a rough or careless way. You usually do this when you are in a hurry or angry.

For teachers: the present participle of 'shove'; refers to the act of pushing roughly or rudely. Often implies a lack of care for the object or person being moved.

## Examples

- He was shoving his way through the crowded train station.
- The protesters began shoving against the metal barriers as the motorcade approached the building.
- Witnesses described a chaotic scene with people shoving one another in a desperate attempt to reach the emergency exits before the smoke became too thick.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was shoving to me" but "He was shoving me" — Shove is a transitive verb and does not require a preposition before the person or object being pushed.

## Usage notes

- Often used with 'around' to describe bullying behavior or 'into' when placing objects roughly.

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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.