exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself or the origin of the force, move (something) by exerting force on it, make a strenuous effort to do something

push someone's buttons, push comes to shove, push the envelope

Formal and Informal Expressions of push

In different contexts, you can replace 'push' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'exert force, make an effort' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'give it a shot, go for it' is a commonplace synonym.

push: Explore its Definition & Usage

push Definition

1exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself or the origin of the force
2move (something) by exerting force on it
3make a strenuous effort to do something

Using push: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "push" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She pushed the door open with her foot.
Example
He pushed his plate away and leaned back in his chair.
Example
I had to push my bike up the hill.
Example
She pushed herself to finish the race.

push Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for push

Antonyms for push

Phrases with push

push someone's buttons
to deliberately provoke or annoy someone
Example
Don't talk about politics around him, it always seems to push his buttons.
push comes to shove
when a situation becomes critical or desperate
Example
We don't have enough money for both, so if push comes to shove, we'll have to choose between the two options.
push the envelope
to go beyond the limits of what is normally done or considered acceptable
Example
The company is always trying to push the envelope with their new products.

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Summary: push in Brief

To 'push' [pʊʃ] means to exert force on something or someone, either to move it away or to make it move. It can also mean to make a strenuous effort to do something. Examples include 'She pushed the door open with her foot' and 'She pushed herself to finish the race.' Phrases like 'push someone's buttons' and 'push the envelope' add additional meanings to the term.