bear down

verb

bore down; borne down also born down; bearing down; bears down

intransitive verb

: to exert full strength and concentrated attention
Phrases
bear down on
1
2
: to weigh heavily on : burden

Examples of bear down in a Sentence

you need to bear down on that cap a bit to get it to latch tightly
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Chelsea team-mate and France winger Sandy Baltimore is bearing down on England captain Leah Williamson. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 The relationship isn’t a reprieve from the systemic forces bearing down on them individually, but rather a magnifying glass for them. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025 The universe and my mother bear down. Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025 Matthew McConaughey stars as Kevin McKay, a down-on-his-luck school bus driver who rises to the occasion as fire bears down on the community. Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bear down

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bear down was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bear down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bear%20down. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

bear down

verb
1
2
: to press or weigh down
3
: to make an all-out effort
4
: to weigh heavily on : burden

Medical Definition

bear down

intransitive verb
: to contract the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm during childbirth
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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