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 verb1 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 striking2 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 pull3 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 verb1: to press against something with steady force in or as if in order to impel2: to press forward energetically against opposition3: to exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end <pushing for higher wages>

— push one's luck

: to take an increasing risk