Main Entry:

²press

Function:

verb

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: to act upon through steady pushing or thrusting force exerted in contact : squeeze2 a: assail, harass b: afflict, oppress3 a: to squeeze out the juice or contents of b: to squeeze with apparatus or instruments to a desired density, smoothness, or shape4 a: to exert influence on : constrain b: to try hard to persuade : beseech, entreat5: to move by means of pressure6 a: to lay stress or emphasis on b: to insist on or request urgently7: to follow through (a course of action)8: to clasp in affection or courtesy9: to make (a phonograph record) from a matrixintransitive verb1: to crowd closely : mass2: to force or push one's way3: to seek urgently : contend4: to require haste or speed in action5: to exert pressure6: to take or hold a press7: to employ a press in basketball

— press·er noun

— press the flesh

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