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push · verb /pʊʃ/Full view
Nouns: push, pusher
Adjectives: pushy
Verbs: push
push (MOVE SOMEONE/SOMETHING)
A2 I or T to move someone or something by pressing them with your hands or body
Dictionary examples:

Can you help me move this table? You push and I'll pull.

The window sticks - you have to push hard to open it.

I tried to push the door open but it was stuck.

Could you push that door shut, please?

A boy had pushed her over in the playground.

Learner example:

Someone push[ed] me into the water. (Key English Test; A2; Indonesian)

push (MOVE YOURSELF)
B1 I or T to move somewhere by moving someone or something away from you
Dictionary examples:

Please, no pushing! There's plenty of room on the bus for everyone.

She pushed through the crowd.

He pushed past the waiting journalists, refusing to speak to them.

They pushed their way to the front of the line.

push (PRESS)
B1 T to press something
Dictionary example:

If you push this button, the seat goes back.

Learner example:

I was feeling very angry when I pushed the answer button. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

push (sb) for sth/to do sth
B2 to try hard to achieve something or to make someone do something
Dictionary examples:

Local residents are pushing for a traffic light to be put at this busy intersection.

We had to push them to accept our terms, but they finally agreed to the deal.

Learner example:

Governments should push young artists to get involve[d] in their work. (First Certificate in English; B2; )

push yourself
B2 to make yourself work very hard in order to achieve something
Dictionary example:

She really pushed herself when she was in school.

Learner example:

Don't push yourself too hard and remember to drink more water. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

push (ENCOURAGE)
C1 T to try to make someone do something that they do not want to do
Dictionary example:

My mother pushed me into having ballet lessons.

Learner example:

The biggest help though was my parents who were really understan[ding] and didn't push me too hard into learning English and that [is] why I succe[e]ded. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

push · noun /pʊʃ/
Nouns: push, pusher
Adjectives: pushy
Verbs: push
push (PRESS)
B1 C usually no plural when you move someone or something by pressing them with your hands or body
Dictionary examples:

Get on the swing and I'll give you a push.

I gave the door a good push, but it still wouldn't open.

Learner example:

The door was open, so I gave it a push. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

push (ENCOURAGEMENT)
C1 C encouragement to make someone do something
Dictionary example:

I'm sure he'll go, he just needs a little push that's all.

Learner example:

I knew before what I was capable of doing but I really needed a push. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

if/when push comes to shove
C2 If you say that something can be done if push comes to shove, you mean that it can be done if the situation becomes so bad that you have to do it.
Dictionary example:

If push comes to shove, we'll just have to sell the car.

Learner example:

There are several option[s] you can choose from when push comes to shove. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Hungarian)

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