push

When using your hands to move something away from the body, use the word "push." This is the opposite action of the verb, "pull."

This snowball is getting harder and harder to push.
He’s pushing an amplifier.
The boy on the swing is being pushed by his grandfather. (This sentence is in the present continuous tense, passive voice.)

There are other ways to use this word as a verb:

• Jonah’s parents are pushing him to become a doctor. (push = to motivate someone)
• Our supervisor likes to push his employees around. (push around = to bully; to use one’s power)
• The President is trying to push some of his ideas through Congress. (push = promote)
• The community is pushing for a new playground.
• How much data can you push through your internet connection?

You can also use "push" as a noun:

• There’s been a major push to get guns off the streets in this neighborhood. (push = effort)
• The push for more spending on infrastructure is finally starting to pay off.
• Pushback from the American public on the issue of health care caused some changes in the final plan. (pushback = opposition)

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This page was first published on July 7, 2012. It was updated on March 29, 2015.