press

²press

verb

Definition of PRESS

transitive verb

1

: to act upon through steady pushing or thrusting force exerted in contact : squeeze

2

a : assail, harass b : afflict, oppress

3

a : to squeeze out the juice or contents of b : to squeeze with apparatus or instruments to a desired density, smoothness, or shape

4

a : to exert influence on : constrain b : to try hard to persuade : beseech, entreat

5

: to move by means of pressure

6

a : to lay stress or emphasis on b : to insist on or request urgently

7

: to follow through (a course of action)

8

: to clasp in affection or courtesy

9

: to make (a phonograph record) from a matrix

intransitive verb

1

: to crowd closely : mass

2

: to force or push one's way

3

: to seek urgently : contend

4

: to require haste or speed in action

5

: to exert pressure

6

: to take or hold a press

7

: to employ a press in basketball

— press the flesh

: to greet and shake hands with people especially while campaigning for political office

Origin of PRESS

Middle English, from Anglo-French presser, from Latin pressare, frequentative of premere to press; probably akin to Russian naperet' to press

First Known Use: 14th century