Main Entry: ¹push

Pronunciation: \ˈpu̇sh\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English possen, pusshen, probably from Old French pousser to exert pressure, from Latin pulsare, frequentative of pellere to drive, strike — more at felt

Date: 13th century

transitive verb 1 a : to press against with force in order to drive or impel b : to move or endeavor to move away or ahead by steady pressure without striking
2 a : to thrust forward, downward, or outward b : to cause to increase : raise <push prices to record levels> c : to try to move beyond or expand <push one's limits> d : to hit (a ball) toward the right from a right-handed swing or toward the left from a left-handed swing — compare pull
3 a : to press or urge forward to completion b : to urge or press the advancement, adoption, or practice of <pushed a bill in the legislature>; especially : to make aggressive efforts to sell <we're pushing ham this week> c : to engage in the illicit sale of (narcotics)
4 : to bear hard upon so as to involve in difficulty <poverty pushed them to the breaking point>
5 : to approach in age or number <grandmother must be pushing 75>intransitive verb 1 : to press against something with steady force in or as if in order to impel
2 : to press forward energetically against opposition
3 : to exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end <pushing for higher wages>

— push one's luck : to take an increasing risk