Push
UK /["/pʊʃ/","/ˈpʊʃɪz/","/pʊʃt/","/ˈpʊʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/pʊʃ/","/ˈpʊʃɪz/","/pʊʃt/","/ˈpʊʃɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to use your hands, arms or body in order to make somebody/something move forward or away from you; to move part of your body into a particular position
In simple words: To apply force to move something away from you.
Examples
- Please push the door to open it.
- He had to push his bike up the hill.
- I usually push my limits when I exercise.
- She decided to push her plans for a vacation until next month.
- They need to push harder to finish the project on time.
- Come on, give it a good push!
- The company will push the new product launch to next year.
- It is important to push for better working conditions.
- The teacher will push the students to achieve their best.
- To get the cart moving, you have to push it from behind.
Usage notes
Can be used in various contexts, from physical pushing (like a door) to metaphorical (pushing someone to take action). Avoid using in overly formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
push + object
Memory hint
Think of a friend giving you a gentle 'push' to help you move forward.
Collocations
- firmly
- hard
- angrily
- try to
- manage to
- begin to
- against
- at
- out of
- push something open
- push something shut
- firmly
- hard
- angrily
- try to
- manage to
- begin to
- against
- at
- out of
- push something open
- push something shut
- aggressively
- hard
- too far
- into
- for
- push somebody/yourself to the limit
- aggressively
- hard
- too far
- into
- for
- push somebody/yourself to the limit
- aggressively
- hard
- too far
- into
- for
- push somebody/yourself to the limit
Synonyms
- splash out
Antonyms
- pull
- retract
- withdraw
Common mistakes
- Using 'push' without an object, e.g., saying 'I need to push' instead of 'I need to push the cart.'
- Confusing 'push' with 'shove', which implies more force.
- Incorrectly using 'push' in passive constructions, e.g., 'The door was pushed by me.' instead of 'I pushed the door.'