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 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 matrixintransitive 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·er noun

— press the flesh : to greet and shake hands with people especially while campaigning for political office