press1 nounpress2 verb
presspress1 /pres/ ●●● S2 W1 noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a press photographer
- a bench press
- a wine press
- Making her way through the press of fans and well-wishers, Halliwell got into a taxi.
- Put the garlic through a press.
- The box opens with the press of a button.
- Wesleyan University Press
- At one stage a bleeper went off in the press gallery which woke up one or two slumbering hacks.
- Daughter Pat is head of the specialty press operation in the White House media affairs office.
- Event information is accurate as of press time.
- Jobs weren't easy but eventually he fixed a slot as a night wire man at a Toronto press agency.
- Mrs Metz explained that we desired to avoid the route past the press room.
- Political awareness was further heightened by the press.
- The press was at first unhelpful in either explaining or interpreting the events.
- The first press run of the magazine is 300, 000 copies.
Longman Language Activatorto push something firmly, especially with your fingers
to push something firmly with your fingers or with your feet. In American English push is usually used to describe what you do to buttons, bells etc: · The doctor gently pressed her stomach.· I pressed the brake pedal, but nothing happened.press something down: · She stuffed the papers back in the box and pressed the lid down.press a button/bell/key British (=in order to make a machine work, a bell ring etc): · Which key do I press to delete it?· To get coffee, put your money in the machine and press the green button.
to push something firmly inwards by pressing on both sides of it, especially with your hands or fingers: · I squeezed the toothpaste tube, but nothing came out.· a horrible doll that cried when you squeezed itsqueeze something out of something: · I can't squeeze any more tomato paste out of this tube.squeeze somebody's arm/hand (=as a sign of love or friendship): · Alice squeezed my arm affectionately, and said goodbye.
to press someone's skin tightly between your fingers and thumb, so that it hurts: · Dad! Katy just pinched me!
especially American to press a button, for example on a telephone or a computer screen, in order to make a choice, get information, or make something work - used especially in instructions: · For room service, touch button 9.
to press a soft substance such as clay or dough (=a mixture of flour and water used to make bread) repeatedly with your hands: · She kneaded the dough and shaped it into loaves.· The clay should be kneaded thoroughly to remove any bubbles of air.
to press something so that it becomes flatter or smaller · We pressed the flowers between the pages of a book.press something into something (=press something to make it a different shape) · The cookie dough is then pressed into small shapes and baked in a hot oven.
to press something into a flat shape: · Place the balls of cookie dough on a baking sheet, and flatten each one with your hand.· She said that the crash-helmet would flatten her hair-do.
also roll out to make something flat using a tool or machine shaped like a tube: · Roll the pastry as thin as you can.roll out something/roll something out: · Roll the dough out to a thickness of four centimetres.
to press something together, so that it takes up less space - used especially in technical contexts: · Behind the factory is a machine that compresses old cars into blocks of scrap metal.
to press something to remove the liquid from it · Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice into a jug.· Alice squeezed the wet sponge.freshly squeezed orange/lemon etc juice (=juice that has been pressed from a fruit, and that has not had any chemicals, sugar etc added) · I start the day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
to press and twist wet cloth or wet clothes in order to remove water from them: wring out something: · Would you wring out these towels and hang them up to dry?wring something/it/them out: · I had to take off my skirt and wring it out when I got home.
recently made or produced recently made, built, produced, or invented: · They pulled down the movie theater and built a new health club on the site.· the new issue of "Time" magazine· Porsche's newest sports car will be unveiled at next week's Motor Show.brand new (=completely new): · Apparently there's going to be a brand new "James Bond" movie out in the spring.as good as new: · By the time we'd finished painting the boat, it looked as good as new.
: the latest film/book/model/fashion etc the film, book etc that has been produced or made most recently: · Have you seen Spielberg's latest movie?· the latest fashions from the Paris catwalks
if a book, record, or film is just out , it has only recently arrived in the shops, cinemas etc: · REM's new album is just out.
a recent film, book etc is one that was made or produced only a short time ago: · The recent movie version of the book was not a big success.· There will be an exhibition of his most recent work at the Tate Gallery, starting this Saturday.· A recent study of Open University graduates found that students aged 60 - 65 had better results than any other age group.
if a book is hot off the press , it has only just become available to the public, so that anyone who has it is one of the first people to read it: · People were queuing up for the new Harry Potter book to arrive - hot off the press.
someone whose job is to report the news someone who finds out about events and writes about them in newspapers or tells people about them on television or radio: · She works as a junior reporter for the Today programme.· a crowd of reporters· "We've reached a critical stage in the negotiations," he told waiting reporters.TV/newspaper/Washington Post etc reporter: · He used to work as a TV reporter in LA.
someone who reports the news, especially for a newspaper, as their profession: · All foreign journalists have been told to leave the war zone as soon as possible.· An experienced journalist has a sense of what is likely to be relevant about a story.sports/media/finance etc journalist: · After he retired from football he became a sports journalist for the Gazette.· Lee is one of the highest-paid finance journalists in the country.
someone who reports the news about one particular subject or place, for a newspaper or news programme: · We now go over to our correspondent in Lisbon for a report on the election.foreign/war/Washington etc correspondent: · He left his local paper to become the Daily Telegraph's defence correspondent.· He joined ABC as its chief foreign correspondent in 2000.
British /newscaster American someone whose job is to read the news on the television, radio etc: · I've always thought you have the right voice to be a newsreader.· She became well-known as a newscaster before getting her own talk show in Chicago.
informal someone who writes for a newspaper, especially one whose writing is not good or interesting: · The latest scandal was quickly picked up by the hacks at The Post.· A group of hacks were huddled around the gates, waiting for her to emerge.
all newspapers and reporters, considered as a single group: · I never give interviews to the press.· The press have blown the story out of all proportion.local/national/English etc press: · Make sure the local press are there to hear my speech.in the press (=in the newspapers): · There was a lot of speculation in the press that the Prime Minister was about to resign.notify the press: · Palace staff waited several hours before notifying the press about the King's condition.
newspapers, radio, and television, considered as a single group: · The story received a huge amount of media attention.· A White House aide told the media everything he knew about the President's private life. local/national/German etc media: · The Japanese media quoted Murayama as being "very pleased" with the breakthrough.· local media reportsmass media (=the media considered as something that reaches a very large number of people): · a case of mass media manipulationin the media (=in newspapers, on television, or on radio): · There wasn't much about the event in the media.
newspapers and magazines a set of large folded sheets of paper containing news, articles, pictures etc, which is printed and sold every day or every week: · Can I have a look at your newspaper, please?· It says in the paper that they're getting divorced.Sunday paper (=a paper that is sold every Sunday, and has more pages than papers sold on other days): · I like to sit in bed and read the Sunday papers.local paper (=a newspaper that gives news mainly about the town or area where it is printed): · Did you see Dave's picture in the local paper?national newspaper: · "Asian Week" is a national newspaper printed in San Francisco.daily/weekly newspaper: · She works as a sportswriter for the town's major daily newspaper, The Arizona Daily Star.
a large, thin book with a paper cover, often printed on shiny paper, which contains stories, articles, photographs, and sometimes also news: · I bought some magazines for the trip - Cosmopolitan and Vanity Fair.· a photography magazine· Hillary Clinton is featured on the cover of this week's Time magazine.women's/men's magazine (=a magazine intended especially for women/men): · a model turned TV presenter, who has been on the cover of all the men's magazines
also glossies British a magazine for women printed on shiny paper, that has lots of photographs of fashionable clothes, and advertisements for beauty products: · Cosmopolitan, the original glossy for young womenthe glossies British (=these magazines considered as a group): · We've seen her golden smile and her figure in the glossies again and again.
newspapers and the people who write for them: · Do you think the press has too much influence on politics?· Princess Diana was followed by the press wherever she went.the popular press (=newspapers that are read by a lot of people, usually for entertainment rather than for serious news): · Smith strongly denies reports in the popular press that he is addicted to cocaine.the gutter press British (=newspapers that have an extremely low standard of reporting - used to show strong disapproval): · His wife walked out, selling her story to the gutter press, and accusing him of being an alcoholic.the quality press British (=serious newspapers with a high standard of reporting): · The issue was debated by academics, and some sections of the quality press.
all the organizations that are involved in providing information to the public, especially newspapers, television, and radio: · The letter must have been leaked to the media by a White House official.· The judge is worried that comments in the media might affect the result of the trial.
British newspapers printed on large sheets of paper, especially serious newspapers that people respect: · broadsheets such as The Times and The Telegraph· Broadsheets are aimed at an educated middle and upper-class readership.
a newspaper that does not contain much serious news, but has stories about famous people, sport, sex etc - use this especially about newspapers that you think are not serious enough: · She claimed that she had had an affair with the President, and sold her story to the tabloids.
to be praised in newspapers or by many people if something gets a good press , it is praised in the newspapers, on television etc: · I haven't read it yet, but I know her latest novel got a very good press.· Eastern European cars have never really had a good press in this country.
informal if something such as a new book, film, or play gets rave reviews , it is praised a lot in newspapers and magazines: · Her roles in "Miami Vice" and "A Room with a View" got rave reviews.· Despite getting rave reviews, the film was not a box office hit.
if something such as a film, performance, or achievement is acclaimed , it is praised publicly by people who have a lot of knowledge about that subject: highly acclaimed: · Paul Simon's solo career has resulted in a string of highly acclaimed albums.widely acclaimed: · Her work on finding a cure for cancer has been widely acclaimed by her colleagues in the medical profession.critically acclaimed (=praised by critics): · "The West Wing" is one of the most critically acclaimed TV series in the USA.
praised a lot by many people: · They run a much-praised restaurant in Soho.· The Beatles' album "Sergeant Pepper" was much praised when it first came out.
if something or someone new is hailed as something, they are praised a lot and are called something very good: · She is being hailed as the new Marilyn Monroe.· The new peace agreement is being hailed as a major breakthrough.· When it was first introduced, the birth control pill was hailed as a wonder drug.
to push something to operate a machine: push/press a button to push something that makes a machine operate: · It's very simple - you put the paper in and push a button, and the computer does the rest for you.· She pressed the button and the machine started to whirr.
WORD SETSairbed, nounair conditioning, nounair freshener, nounappliance, nounbachelor flat, nounback-to-back, nounbackyard, nounballcock, nounbar, nounbarn, nounbarrow, nounbaseboard, nounbasket, nounbay window, nounbeater, nounbedclothes, nounbedding, nounbed linen, nounbedspread, nounbidet, nounblade, nounbleach, nounboard, verbboarding, nounbobbin, nounbog, nounbog roll, nounbolt, nounbolt, verbboom box, nounboudoir, nounbow window, nounbric-a-brac, nounbutler, nouncarpet, nouncarpet, verbcarpeting, nouncasket, nouncement, nouncentral heating, nouncentrepiece, nounchamber, nounchamber pot, nounchange purse, nounchimney breast, nounchimney-piece, nounChristmas stocking, nounChristmas tree, nouncloth, nouncoal, nouncoal scuttle, nouncolour scheme, nouncomforter, nounconvection oven, nounconvector, nouncooker, nouncooler, nouncounterpane, nouncreosote, nouncubbyhole, nouncurtain, nouncurtain hook, nouncushion, noundaily, noundefrost, verbden, noundesk tidy, noundes res, noundetergent, noundimmer, noundomestic, adjectivedomestic, noundomesticated, adjectivedomesticity, noundomestic science, noundomestic service, noundoor, noundormer, noundraughty, adjectivedrive, noundriveway, noundrop cloth, nounduplex, noundust, nounduvet, noundwelling, noundwelling house, nounearthen, adjectiveeggshell, nounempties, nounfire alarm, nounfirelighter, nounflock, nounflooring, nounfluff, nounflush, verbflypaper, nounflyswatter, nounfold, verbfootman, noungarage sale, noungarbage, noungasman, noungas meter, noungate, noungatehouse, noungatepost, noungateway, noungauze, noungingham, nounglass, nounglaze, verbglazing, noungrating, noungroan, verbguardrail, noungutter, nounguttering, nounhall, nounhallway, nounhandkerchief, nounhandyman, nounhang, verbhanging, nounhardware, nounheat, nounheatproof, adjectiveheat-resistant, adjectiveheirloom, nounhelper, nounhot-water bottle, nounhouseboy, nounhousekeeper, nounhousemaid, nounhousewares, nounhumidifier, nounhurricane lamp, nounimmersion, nounimmersion heater, nouninlaid, adjectiveinlay, nouninsulation, nouninterior decorator, nounionizer, nounironwork, nounjumble, nounjumble sale, nounkeepsake, nounkeyhole, nounknocker, nounlag, verblagging, nounlanding, nounlaundry basket, nounlinen, nounloo, nounmaid, nounmaidservant, nounmailbox, nounmajordomo, nounmanor, nounmantelpiece, nounmasking tape, nounmirror, nounmosquito net, nounmote, nounmothball, nounmoulding, nounmouth, nounmove, nounmoving van, nounmullion, nounnewspaper, nounniche, nounnonflammable, adjectivenook, nounobjet d'art, nounodd-job man, nounoilcloth, nounoil-fired, adjectiveornament, nounouthouse, nounoverflow, nounpad, nounpail, nounpaint, nounpaint, verbpaintbrush, nounpainting, nounpalatial, adjectivepaling, nounpalisade, nounpanel, nounpanelled, adjectivepantile, nounpaper, nounpaper, verbpartition, nounparty wall, nounpasskey, nounpaste, nounpatina, nounpebbledash, nounpegboard, nounpencil, nounpencil sharpener, nounpendulum, nounpension, nounpercale, nounpicture rail, nounpiggy-bank, nounpillowcase, nounpin, nounpincushion, nounplace card, nounplace mat, nounplastic wrap, nounplug, nounplughole, nounplumbing, nounplunger, nounpoker, nounpomander, nounpotpourri, nounpress, nounprivy, nounproperty, nounpunkah, nounQ-tip, nounqueen-size, adjectivequilted, adjectiverail, nounrailing, nounrake, verbrambling, adjectiveramp, nounredecorate, verbrelay, verbremote, nounremote control, nounretainer, nounribbon development, nounroller blind, nounrug, nounrumpus room, nounsafety match, nounsanitation worker, nounsconce, nounScotch tape, nounscrapbook, nounscrap paper, nounscreen, nounscreen door, nounscrew, nounscrew top, nounscullery, nounscuttle, nounSellotape, nounsheet, nounshelving, nounshower, nounshutter, nounshuttered, adjectivesink, nounskirting board, nounsliding door, nounsoft furnishings, nounspiral staircase, nounspittoon, nounsponge bag, nounsteam iron, nounstitch, verbstitching, nounstopcock, nounstorage heater, nounstove, nounstripper, nounsump, nounswag, nounswing door, nountablecloth, nountable linen, nountable mat, nountableware, nountaper, nountapestry, nountarpaulin, nountelevision, nountelly, nounterrycloth, nounthinner, nounthrowaway, adjectivethumbtack, nountinsel, nountoilet, nountowel, nountowel rail, nountransistor radio, nountrash can, nountrash compactor, nountread, nountrunk, nountub, nountumble dryer, noununfurnished, adjectivevalance, nounvarnish, nounvase, nounVenetian blind, nounwalk-in, adjectivewall, noun-ware, suffixwastepaper basket, nounwater closet, nounway out, nounWC, nounweathercock, nounweather vane, nounwhite spirit, nounwick, nounwind chimes, nounwindow, nounwindow box, nounwindowpane, nounwindowsill, nounwipe, nounwoodpile, nounwoodshed, nounwrapper, nounwrapping, nounwrapping paper, nounyard, nounyard sale, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYADJECTIVES/NOUN + press
conservative press barons like Beaverbrook old press clippings about movie stars Margot sent him some press cuttings about the wedding. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. The Green Party held a press conference the next day.
· There was very little about the incident in the national press.
· Evening classes are advertised in the local press.
· The British press have blamed other countries for North Sea pollution.
· African countries want the foreign press to report African affairs.
(=newspapers intended for educated people)· The book received excellent reviews in the quality press.
(=popular newspapers that have a lot of news about famous people etc, rather than serious news)· He regularly appeared in the tabloid press alongside well-known actresses.
British English (=newspapers that print shocking stories about people’s private lives)· The gutter press enjoyed printing the sensational story.
(=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.
verbs· He is reluctant to talk to the press.
· ‘It was a really tough decision,’ she told the press.
(=give them secret information in an unofficial way)· The confidential report was leaked to the press.
press + NOUN· According to press reports, he was suffering from exhaustion.
(=articles in newspapers)· The event received a lot of press coverage.
· A group of press photographers was waiting for her outside.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES conservative press barons like Beaverbrook· The government spent thousands of pounds on a media campaign.
(=make someone be brought to court for a crime)· Sometimes the victim of an assault does not want to press charges.
old press clippings about movie stars (=on television, in newspapers etc)· The case has received wide press coverage.
Margot sent him some press cuttings about the wedding. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. (=the right of newspapers to publish what they like, free from political control)· The freedom of the press is written into the country's constitution.
(=a very urgent need)· There’s a crying need for more doctors and nurses.
The Green Party held a press conference the next day. (=one that needs to be dealt with very soon)· Lack of clean drinking water is the most pressing problem facing the refugees.
· She appealed for an end to press speculation about her marriage.
· He pressed a switch on the wall and the door opened.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Murders get a lot of bad press, so you don't publish the numbers.· I think this is one of those projects that certainly got its share of bad press.· Interwar Socialist Realism Socialist realism has a bad press in the West.· We had bad press, we had a lawsuit.· Free-electron lasers on the whole have had a rather bad press.· Predictably, the law practice has caused Brown to be dogged by bad press.· But gossip hasn't always had such bad press.· Now I know Utopianism has recently had a bad press.
· Nor is it usual for the foreign press to first travel and then write the story.· Reuters deal with financial material generally and the foreign press.· They were remarkably adroit in their cultivation of the foreign press.· For the foreign press, the disaster that remained of greatest interest was the one originating in Fujian.· Therefore, Hollywood woos the foreign press a bit more stridently.
· Such a legacy was hardly encouraging as far as the setting up of a free, unfettered press after independence was concerned.· For without an informed and free press there can not be an enlightened people.· A truly free press is a press which irritates and infuriates along the way.· We think he should, on free press grounds and more.· A free press burst out of the shadows within a few months of the collapse of the Suharto regime.· Only a free and unrestrained press can effectively expose deception in government.· All those who believe that a free press is a prerequisite of a democracy have cause for concern here.
· Often the local press are looking more for a photo opportunity than a story.· The local press wants to hear all about the great victory.· Details of activities and entertainments going on in the town can be obtained from the entertainments page in the local press.· Again the politicians balked at the cost of buying the land, and the local press echoed their opinion.· If so, then this will be advised in the local press.· The local press came in curious gaggles, and the students eased shyly into their new incarnations as media darlings.· If relevant let local press and media know what you are running.· Previously Venturous had been a noteworthy arrival to be written up in the local press.
· As Table 6.1 shows, the national press kept a remarkably steady share, in the region of 16 - 19 percent.· It was the kind of scenario that, eventually, inevitably, would draw the national press like bees to honey.· I have followed in the national press with great interest my hon. Friend's borough's activities.· Of course the national press knew this was the most transparent manner of dry-humping.· War was declared, and his real name was later revealed by the national press: Herr Ribbentrop.· After the national press rushed into Arkansas like Matthew Brady to record this conflict, Roberts backed away from his angry declarations.· The national press can see him any time.
· The focus of media coverage in the popular press is implicitly working towards this chimera.· The popular penny press displaced the small circulation partisan press as the model of the daily newspaper.· The popular daily press in the Edwardian years began to give quite a prominent place to sport.· The public can be forgiven for finding the concept perplexing, since the popular press uses the terms multimedia and cross-media interchangeably.· They are being tackled head-on both in the popular press and Communist Party theoretical journals.· Some on the edge of pioneering new work styles have been featured in breathy articles for the popular business press.· In the Fox case many people connected with the convicted man were hauled on to the national stage by the popular press.· Do not believe everything you read in the popular scientific 84 press, Watson!
· The influence of the tabloid press was particularly strong on the uncommitted.· Satellite television stations under the control of press barons and modelled on the tabloid press may make inaction even more indefensible.· Much of the bad publicity came directly from the philistinism of the tabloid press.· Younger voters tended towards the tabloid press and Radios 1 and 2.· The tabloid press tries hard to make a Home Secretary's life a misery.· Kinnock complains of the alleged power of the Tory tabloid press, but he has powers on his side too.· As that happens so the tabloid press get interested in the game.· Her views on capital punishment, immigration, and the trade unions resemble those of the right-wing tabloid press.
NOUN· The press agent succeeded by having Rockefeller give money to charity.· This guy must have had a press agent.· She preferred eating there, and she was reading the latest stack of clippings her press agent had sent her.· Because officials are so anxious to get good press, there is often tremendous pressure on the government press agent.· The difference between a bandit and a patriot is a good press agent.· With government press agents operating under this kind of pressure, Washington reporters find stories easy to get.· They tried it on a male movie star in Hollywood and he told his right salary and his press agent quit him.
· Satellite television stations under the control of press barons and modelled on the tabloid press may make inaction even more indefensible.· The four richest on paper are revealed as two press barons and two grocers.· A press baron is an immensely powerful figure.· In adopting this crusade, the press barons were also directly challenging Baldwin's leadership of the Government and of the party.
· The young Sri Lankan scorer in the press box awarded it to Manuel.· My duty was to run statistical information and other paperwork from trackside up to the press box.· Armed guards stood on the stairs to the press box.· Awnings on top of the press box were damaged.· In the press box, the sports reporters are already writing her into their leads.· It is aimed at him from the darkened press box.
· Its cameras followed the candidates around on the campaign, showing unabridged speeches, press conferences, walkabouts.· Back in the United States the reaction to the press conference ranged from disbelief to outrage.· At the postgame press conference he brought his glove, sat it on the table in front of him and commenced fidgeting.· After Clarke was sentenced, Jonathan's family held a press conference, begging others to stay away from drugs.· A Treasury spokesman said there was no need to hold a press conference with every rate change.· This morning Swindon Police called a press conference to announce an important new development in the case.· He has a press conference downtown.
· The invited press corps kept its distance from Holden, leaving him in peace to concentrate on his performance.· Remember when she invited the press corps in to sample her favorite cookie recipe?· The press corps weren't at all what Kate had expected.· It made it that much harder for the Washington press corps to drop in and snoop.· The important visitors filed in after them, and then the members of the press corps.· But they were no ordinary members of the Washington press corps.· I was travelling with President Carter's press corps in 1980.· The spokesman returned in a state of even greater perplexity to confront the television cameras and assembled press corps.
· He had the potential for massive press coverage.· Sales were further boosted by press coverage of carbon monoxide poisonings, including the 1994 death of tennis star Vitas Gerulaitis.· The press coverage I received during the production was phenomenal, thanks entirely to you.· Following a burst of publicity for Forbes, Dole has continued to receive negative press coverage.· The Wedding Present probably benefited from their demise, mainly in terms of press coverage.· And in return, legislators depend heavily on the mainstream media for their large-scale financial contributions and favorable press coverage.· Its activities, perhaps naturally enough, received press coverage out of all proportion to the rest of the war.· After massive press coverage, Attorney General Robert Kennedy asked the state to give the riders protection.
· If the law threatened press freedom, it was for Parliament, not the courts, to change it.· Suppression of press freedom has not happened.· There is to be greater press freedom.· He also announced liberal reforms including greater press freedom and the abolition of laws governing subversion.· Labour politicians have spent most of their working lives promising to protect press freedom.
· Finally, could you leave the insults to the gutter press please?· Without doubt the gutter press whirlwind contained no substance whatsoever.
· Y., appeared in the White House press room with her grandson Adam, who was abducted when he was 3.
· And in 1992, having been mere space-fillers in the music press, the Levellers had a top 20 single.· However, U2 will have sorely disappointed fans who rely on the music press as their solo source of information.· But still this new music was far from established as a credible art form in the pages of the music press.· Letters stuffed full of anti-Smiths sentiment flooded into the music press offices.· I don't remember getting into any particularly heavy conversations, but that is symptomatic of the music press.· It got a lot of airplay from John Peel, and was written up extensively by the music press.· Most of the deal was carried out in New York and this contributed to an air of confusion in the music press.· Also, send your record to journalists on all of the popular music press and phone them as well.
· A spokeswoman for President-elect Bush, said his press office was on holiday and had no immediate comment.· Calls to the Pentagon press office were unanswered last night.· For a time, the Northern Ireland army press office denied that such a force existed.· She referred Bernstein to the press office.· Letters stuffed full of anti-Smiths sentiment flooded into the music press offices.· But McGee said the plan was dropped after his clients learned the press office for Gov.· The chancery was a public relations office, a press office and a private office all in one.· So I tried again, talking with Microwriter's press office.
· Skoda's press officer is one Milan Smutny, whose family name means sad.· Government press officer Jakubowska denied the coalition is seeking a new prime minister.· The London Implementation Group has a full time press officer working alongside colleagues in the Thames regions.· To keep everyone happy press officer David Begg, from Glasgow, recorded immediate reactions.· When I queried this I learned that Microwriter no longer employed a press officer.· There were no engineers or sponsors or press officers or masseurs.· A press officer should try and gain exposure for your record through the media.· Soon she was recognised by the group as their specialist on facts and figures and formal press officer.
· There has suddenly appeared a multitude of banners and pamphlets from these printing presses of the trees.· The documents travel from printing press to wastepaper basket in one uninterrupted motion.· Last, but not least, workers have fretted about being displaced by machines ever since the invention of the printing press.· Pupils learn about how a printing press works.· The Communist Party and various affiliates control nearly all Soviet printing presses and broadcasting stations.· Sheet fed a printing press which prints single sheets of paper, not reels.· By Saturday new plates had been made and the printing presses re-set.· Ivan's son Djuradj is honoured as the first man to introduce a printing press into the Balkans.
· Reiterate the arguments in your press release calmly but firmly.· Companies should arrive at each stop armed with press releases and cameras to record local functions.· News of the professor's departure was a single sentence at the bottom of a footnote in a holiday-period ministry press release.· Then it canceled the mill anyway and issued a press release blaming the workers.· Sentences in press releases should be kept short.· The press release provided a positive appraisal of the government's economic reform programme.· His descriptions of everything from lures to reels to fish finders read like they are straight out of a company press release.
· As he gazed at the press reports of Woolton's endorsement, he felt invulnerable, almost home.· Those who fall deeply into personal debt become vulnerable to unflattering press reports.· Mr. Powell I was not referring to a press report of the Robert George case.· Unidentified male caller employed hotline number morning of press reports.· Periodically there are press reports of otherwise healthy individuals who need no sleep at all.· Contrary to many press reports, however, there was only one, unified, commencement.· Local press reports quoted the Minister of State for Defence, Maj.-Gen.· That is, the press reports were exploring the boundary of legitimate behaviour by women.
· Jim Heath, press secretary for Hayworth, declined to comment.· John Buckley, once a Kemp press secretary, is director of communications for the Dole campaign.
· An official statement the companies were hammering out also at press time was unlikely to clarify that point.· Further details were unavailable at press time.· At press time, it was said to be still finalising international agreements.· Event information is accurate as of press time.· The bad news is he weighs just under 30 stone at press time, down fourteen stone from his previous weight.· Representatives for Federated Department Stores could not be reached for comment at press time.· Motorola did not return calls by press time.· As of press time, no decision had been made.
· There is a trouser press in every manservant's room.· All rooms have central heating, direct dial telephone, television, tea making facilities, hairdryers, trouser press, etc.
VERB· For the past two years his photograph has regularly appeared in the Corsican press.· They asked about the tombstone, the public announcement that would appear in the financial press at the end of the deal.· Though both had appeared in the press and are very slight pamphlets, they rank as first editions in book form.· During that visit an extract from Volkogonov's forthcoming book on Stalin had appeared in the press and caused a stir.· Every case appearing in the national press is likely to appear in some local newspaper.
· And of course she leaked that to the press.· When this leaked to the press, it generated an uproar.· The cartoons caused outrage when they were leaked to the press last week.· Her plan came to light after it was leaked to the press.· His name had been leaked inadvertently in a press interview which I had given and some one had traced his whereabouts.· When the story was leaked to the press, all hell broke loose.· If something is leaked to the press, the bigmouth will be tracked down and punished.· So the material was leaked to the press.
· The Solicitor-General I do tell that to the press.· I told the press as much in a brief on-camera interview at Keflavlk.· Answering questions, I told the press the situation as I saw it.· But Annan told his press club audience that he opposes such credits.· In the early 1970s it became the practice to tell the press what had happened and whether any votes were taken.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► get/be given a bad pressPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► press/push somebody’s buttons► press-gang somebody into doing something
- The May issue was ready to go to press when the magazine closed down.
- Although correct at the time of going to press, the programme is subject to amendment.
- As we went to press more than 200,000 copies had already been sold.
- At the time this book was going to press, I had not yet been able to undertake further investigations.
- Ed - Sorry the photos were not available at time of going to press due to Christmas printing deadlines.
- However, as we went to press they were still sorting out what stays and what goes.
- Prices correct at time of going to press.
- The only way he could improve its impact was to wait for exactly the right moment to go to press.
- As usual the conservatives are saying that the press has a liberal bias.
- Do you think the press has too much influence on politics?
- His wife walked out, selling her story to the gutter press, and accusing him of being an alcoholic.
- I never give interviews to the press.
- Make sure the local press are there to hear my speech.
- Palace staff waited several hours before notifying the press about the King's condition.
- Princess Diana was followed by the press wherever she went.
- Smith strongly denies reports in the popular press that he is addicted to cocaine.
- Taylor refuses to speak to the press.
- The press have blown the story out of all proportion.
- The issue was debated by academics, and some sections of the quality press.
- There was a lot of speculation in the press that the Prime Minister was about to resign.
- Because officials are so anxious to get good press, there is often tremendous pressure on the government press agent.
- Even Quayle is getting better press than me.
- Even testosterone, so often blamed for aggressive behavior in men, is getting better press.
- For now Harriet's keener on seeing chess get a better press.
- He pushed all the right buttons.
- These are words which are all designed to press the right buttons among women voters.
- Finally, could you leave the insults to the gutter press please?
- Without doubt the gutter press whirlwind contained no substance whatsoever.
- Aunt Edie was in such a rage about it that she was hard put to contain herself.
- Governments will then be hard put to get it on to their national statute books by mid-1993.
- I can assure you that any busybody would be hard put to it to prove maltreatment!
- Leinster will be hard pushed to keep the score within the respectable margins of defeat set by their predecessors.
- Once an apology is given, the defendant will be hard put to contest liability later.
- The slave's side ... and even Miss Phoebe would be hard put to understand.
- With his height and features, he was hard put to pass as a native.
- You will be hard pressed to choose a single main course because so many are mouth-watering.
- People were queuing up for the new Harry Potter book to arrive - hot off the press.
- And why have governments in the region not pressed the panic button?
- Derby County chairman Brian Fearn has refused to push the panic button after Tranmere's 2-1 win.
- By the second half of the game, the Tigers had really started to put the pedal to the metal.
- Later, Brooks' brother alleged that racism helped put the pedal to the metal.
- According to Hirsch and Gordon, the quality press focuses on those issues which interest and reflect its middle and upper class readership.
- In the quality press, first, the 1960s saw a great growth of specialization within public affairs journalism.
- Instant wisdom proffered by some commentators in the quality press is that Labour's task is forlorn.
- Such calculations are normally done daily and are published in financial and other quality newspapers.
- Support for the Alliance was weaker amongst readers of the tabloids than readers of the quality press: all perhaps as expected.
- The quality newspapers treated the story in a few paragraphs.
- The habit of reading the paper backwards even spread to the quality press.
- The same is true of the mid-market press and the quality newspapers.
WORD FAMILYadjectivepressedpressingpressurizedpressurednounpresspressurepressingverbpresspressurepressurize
1news a)the press people who write reports for newspapers, radio, or television: the freedom of the press The press has been very nasty about him.GRAMMAR: Singular or plural verb?• The press is usually followed by a singular verb: · The press does not always report the whole story.• In British English, you can also use a plural verb: · The press do not always report the whole story.Grammar guide ‒ NOUNS b)reports in newspapers and on radio and television: To judge from the press, the concert was a great success. press reports The band has received good press coverage (=the reports written about something in newspapers).local/national etc press The story was widely covered in the national press.tabloid/popular etc press2get/be given a bad press to be criticized in the newspapers or on radio or television: The government's policy on mental health care is getting an increasingly bad press.3get/have a good press to be praised in the newspapers or on radio or television: Our recycling policy is getting a good press.4printing [countable] a)a business that prints and sometimes also sells books: the Clarendon Press b) (also printing press) a machine that prints books, newspapers, or magazines5machine [countable] a piece of equipment used to put weight on something in order to make it flat or to force liquid out of it: a trouser press a flower press6push [countable, usually singular] especially British English a light steady push against something small: Give the button another press.7go to press if a newspaper, magazine, or book goes to press, it begins to be printed: All information was correct at the time we went to press.8crowd [singular + of] especially British English a crowd of people pushing against each otherCOLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + pressthe national press· There was very little about the incident in the national press.the local press· Evening classes are advertised in the local press.the British/American etc press· The British press have blamed other countries for North Sea pollution.the foreign press· African countries want the foreign press to report African affairs.the quality press (=newspapers intended for educated people)· The book received excellent reviews in the quality press.the tabloid/popular press (=popular newspapers that have a lot of news about famous people etc, rather than serious news)· He regularly appeared in the tabloid press alongside well-known actresses.the gutter press British English (=newspapers that print shocking stories about people’s private lives)· The gutter press enjoyed printing the sensational story.a free press (=reporters whose reports are not restricted by the government)· I am glad that we have a free press in this country.verbstalk/speak to the press· He is reluctant to talk to the press.tell the press something· ‘It was a really tough decision,’ she told the press.leak something to the press (=give them secret information in an unofficial way)· The confidential report was leaked to the press.press + NOUNpress reports· According to press reports, he was suffering from exhaustion.press coverage (=articles in newspapers)· The event received a lot of press coverage.a press photographer· A group of press photographers was waiting for her outside.press1 nounpress2 verb
presspress2 ●●● S1 W2 verb WORD ORIGINpress2
Origin:
1300-1400 Old French presser, from Latin pressare, from premere ‘to press’; ➔ PRINT2VERB TABLE
press
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | press |
| he, she, it | presses | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | pressed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have pressed |
| he, she, it | has pressed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had pressed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will press |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have pressed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am pressing |
| he, she, it | is pressing | |
| you, we, they | are pressing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was pressing |
| you, we, they | were pressing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been pressing |
| he, she, it | has been pressing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been pressing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be pressing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been pressing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Andy pressed the cool glass to his forehead.
- As the race started the crowd pressed forward towards the track.
- Enough olives had been gathered and pressed to produce 1000 litres of cooking oil.
- Friends come to help us gather the crop and press the grapes.
- His hands pressed down on both her shoulders.
- How much can you press?
- I'm not going to press those shirts for you.
- I pressed the brake pedal, but nothing happened.
- Kate pressed forward through the crowd to take her place.
- She stuffed the papers back in the box and pressed the lid down.
- The cookie dough is then pressed into small shapes and baked in a hot oven.
- The doctor gently pressed her stomach.
- The hand-operated machine presses the grapes to produce a dark liquid.
- The security men tried to hold back crowds of reporters pressing round the President's car.
- Their tiny faces were pressed against the window.
- To get coffee, put your money in the machine and press the green button.
- We pressed the flowers between the pages of a book.
- Which key do I press to delete it?
- Without thinking, he pressed a button on the desktop.
- Bake for about 20 minutes more, until cake is brown and feels firm when gently pressed.
- Mattie pressed the automatic device on her dashboard and the garage door eased upwards for the Lincoln to slide smoothly in.
- Our fighter group took care of them in short order, however, and we pressed on to launch the attack.
- The first and most pressing demand upon me was the immediate safety of the capital and the government.
- They can press up their own records and sell them through local shops and radio.
- Those shown in the brochure are for guidance only and may have changed since we went to press.
- We each attach a bracelet to our wrist then press the palm of our other hand on to the metal pad.
THESAURUS
to push something down or against a surface with your fingers or foot: · The doctor gently pressed her stomach.· To move forward, press the accelerator.· I pressed ‘delete’ and started again.
to press something inwards from both sides: · It’s one of those balls that make a funny noise when you squeeze it.· Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the sauce.
to press something against a surface accidentally and damage it by making it flat: · Don’t squash the tomatoes.· He sat on my hat and squashed it.
to press something very hard so that it breaks into very small pieces, or is very badly damaged: · Crush two cloves of garlic.· The front of the car was completely crushed in the crash.
to press cooked vegetables or fruit until they are soft and smooth: · Mash the potatoes while they are warm.· Babies love mashed bananas.
to press something solid until it becomes a powder, using a machine or tool: · the machine that grinds the corn· freshly ground coffee
Longman Language Activatorto push something firmly, especially with your fingers to push something firmly with your fingers or with your feet. In American English push is usually used to describe what you do to buttons, bells etc: · The doctor gently pressed her stomach.· I pressed the brake pedal, but nothing happened.press something down: · She stuffed the papers back in the box and pressed the lid down.press a button/bell/key British (=in order to make a machine work, a bell ring etc): · Which key do I press to delete it?· To get coffee, put your money in the machine and press the green button.
to push something firmly inwards by pressing on both sides of it, especially with your hands or fingers: · I squeezed the toothpaste tube, but nothing came out.· a horrible doll that cried when you squeezed itsqueeze something out of something: · I can't squeeze any more tomato paste out of this tube.squeeze somebody's arm/hand (=as a sign of love or friendship): · Alice squeezed my arm affectionately, and said goodbye.
to press someone's skin tightly between your fingers and thumb, so that it hurts: · Dad! Katy just pinched me!
especially American to press a button, for example on a telephone or a computer screen, in order to make a choice, get information, or make something work - used especially in instructions: · For room service, touch button 9.
to press a soft substance such as clay or dough (=a mixture of flour and water used to make bread) repeatedly with your hands: · She kneaded the dough and shaped it into loaves.· The clay should be kneaded thoroughly to remove any bubbles of air.
to press something so that it becomes flatter or smaller · We pressed the flowers between the pages of a book.press something into something (=press something to make it a different shape) · The cookie dough is then pressed into small shapes and baked in a hot oven.
to press something into a flat shape: · Place the balls of cookie dough on a baking sheet, and flatten each one with your hand.· She said that the crash-helmet would flatten her hair-do.
also roll out to make something flat using a tool or machine shaped like a tube: · Roll the pastry as thin as you can.roll out something/roll something out: · Roll the dough out to a thickness of four centimetres.
to press something together, so that it takes up less space - used especially in technical contexts: · Behind the factory is a machine that compresses old cars into blocks of scrap metal.
to press something to remove the liquid from it · Squeeze the lemons and pour the juice into a jug.· Alice squeezed the wet sponge.freshly squeezed orange/lemon etc juice (=juice that has been pressed from a fruit, and that has not had any chemicals, sugar etc added) · I start the day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.
to press and twist wet cloth or wet clothes in order to remove water from them: wring out something: · Would you wring out these towels and hang them up to dry?wring something/it/them out: · I had to take off my skirt and wring it out when I got home.
when someone is officially accused of a crime if the police charge someone, they tell that person that they believe he or she is guilty of a crime, and that the person must appear in court so that it can be proved whether they are guilty or not : charge somebody with murder/theft/assault etc: · The man they arrested last night has been charged with murder.· They're going to charge him with dangerous driving.charge somebody with doing something: · Police have charged a 22-year-old man with robbing two Japanese tourists.be charged: · Twelve people involved in the demonstration have been arrested and charged.
also bring charges British to make an official statement accusing someone of a crime or an offence, so that they will be judged in a court of law: · He's in trouble this time. The police have said they're going to press charges.press charges against: · Curran decided to bring charges against the man who attacked him.· Charges have been brought against the demonstrators.
if the authorities prosecute someone, they try to prove that the person is guilty of a crime in a court of law so that they can be punished: · The shopkeeper is unlikely to prosecute if the stolen goods are returned. · People who give the police false information will be prosecuted.prosecute somebody for something: · Winstanley was prosecuted for criminal damage of property.
to send someone to a court of law where they will be officially accused of a serious crime and will be judged: · Blake was brought to trial and sentenced to seven years in prison.put somebody on trial for something: · A Glasgow girl was put on trial for poisoning her lover.bring somebody to trial for something: · These men were brought to trial for a crime they did not commit.
to officially accuse someone of a crime, so that they will be judged in a court of law - used especially in the American legal system: be indicted: · A leading cocaine trafficker has been indicted by the United States government.indict somebody for something: · He was indicted for perjury before a grand jury.
to officially accuse an important public official or politician of a crime when they are in a position of authority - used especially in the American legal system: · Congress voted to impeach the President, but he resigned before any action was taken.impeach somebody for doing something: · The governor was impeached for accepting bribes.
to ask strongly for something or for someone to do something to ask for something, or ask someone to do something, in a firm or angry way that shows you expect them to do it: · I demand an explanation for your appalling behaviour.· The laboratory was surrounded by protesters demanding an end to the animal experiments.· The chief demanded a thorough investigation into the murder.demand to do something: · The police officer made Neil get out of the car and demanded to see his driver's licence.demand that: · Just go to the dry cleaners, show them the dress, and demand that they pay for the damage.
to ask for something, or ask someone to do something, in an anxious way that shows you want it very much: · All right, all right, I'll come! Just stop begging.· He said he wouldn't give me the money unless I got down on my knees and begged him.beg (somebody) for something: · The prisoner was in so much pain all he could do was scream and beg for mercy.· It's the same old story - one night he beats her up, and the next day he begs her for forgiveness.beg somebody to do something: · We all begged him not to drive in the storm, but he wouldn't listen to us.
to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way: · "Please forgive me," she pleaded "I'll never do it again."plead for: · The wife of one of the hostages appeared on TV last night to plead for her husband's life.plead with somebody: · Parker pleaded with his supporters in the crowd to remain calm.
to ask strongly and repeatedly for something important such as a change in the law or the rules, because you think it is necessary: · People in the medical profession are pressing for genuine reforms in policy.· The team is pushing for a new stadium to be built downtown.· Women have been pressing for equal rights and pay for years.
if someone, especially a group of people, calls for something such as justice, equality etc they ask for it strongly and publicly because they think an unfair situation needs to be changed: · Amnesty International has consistently called for the release of political prisoners.· The Football Association is likely to call for a ban on alcohol at football games.· Leaders in both parties are calling for changes in campaign finance laws.
if someone, especially an organization in a bad situation, calls on someone to do something, they ask strongly and urgently for that person to do it because their help is needed: call on/upon somebody to do something: · We are calling upon the government to release all political prisoners.· The Secretary called on all Americans to help stop the abuse and neglect of children.call on/upon somebody for something: · The dance company has called on ballet-lovers everywhere for financial support.
to continue doing something in a determined way to continue trying to do something in a very patient and determined way, in spite of difficulties: · He didn't know any English, but he persevered and became a good student.persevere with: · When a country is able to persevere with reforms, the result can be a return to economic stability.persevere in: · Stevenson persevered in his efforts to discover what had really happened.persevere in the face of something: · Children today seem less willing to seek out challenges and persevere in the face of adversity.
spoken also stick at it British spoken to continue working or studying in a very determined way in order to achieve something: stick at/to it: · If you stick at it, I'm sure you'll pass your examinations.· It was hard to follow the diet plan at first, but I stuck to it and eventually lost 20 pounds.
to force yourself to continue working, practising etc in order to achieve something, even though it needs a lot of effort: keep at it: · You'll have to keep at it if you want to play the piano as well as your father does.keep at something British: · I wish I'd kept at my language lessons when I was at school.
British to continue doing something or going somewhere in spite of difficulties, because you are determined to finish your work, journey etc without delay: · I was finding the book hard to understand, but I pressed on.· We're nearly there, so let's press on while it's still daylight.press on with: · Despite opposition ,the government is pressing on with its welfare reforms.press on regardless (=ignoring all difficulties): · It started to rain and a strong wind blew, but he pressed on regardless.
someone who is undaunted or does something undaunted does not give up because of difficulties, dangers etc, but continues to do what they intended to do: · Undaunted, he said he would take the test again.undaunted by: · Undaunted by the low pay and lack of respect, she feels teaching is the most rewarding job she can do.remain undaunted: · The policy changes she wants have not happened, but Banyan remains undaunted.
British to continue doing something in a steady determined way even though it is very difficult: · The team were all feeling seasick but they soldiered on valiantly.· Charles was asked to soldier on as Sayle's assistant.
to push people in order to move forward to push people, especially in a crowd, in order to move past them or in order to make them move: · Can you tell the people at the back of the queue to stop pushing!push your way through/into etc: · He pushed his way through the crowd.push past: · She pushed past me to the front of the line.
to push people in a rough and careless way with your hands, arms, or shoulders in order to move forward or past people: · The people moved forward towards the food, pushing and shoving to get there first.shove your way through/into etc: · Peter shoved his way through the dense crowd in search of his son.shove past: · Robert shoved past the others and made his way to the front of the room.
to move forward so fast and forcefully that you push someone as you pass them: barge into: · She just barged into me, without even apologizing.barge past: · A woman carrying a large basket barged past me to the front of the line.
to push hard in order to go somewhere when your way is blocked: force your way through: · He forced his way through the dense crowd.force your way into: · Police forced their way into the flat and arrested two men.
to push against one person or several people so that you knock them to one side, especially in order to reach a place or get something before they do: jostle for: · Passengers were jostling each other at the news kiosk for the last remaining copies of the evening paper.jostle to do something: · The children moved forward, jostling to get to the front and see the magician.
to push with your elbows in order to move past people: elbow your way through/into etc: · She elbowed her way through the crowd.elbow somebody aside/elbow somebody to one side: · Craig elbowed me aside roughly.· Elbowing me to one side, he took hold of the microphone.
to push in order to move forward with the rest of the crowd: press forward/round etc: · As the race started the crowd pressed forward towards the track.· The security men tried to hold back crowds of reporters pressing round the President's car.
to press something so hard that it breaks, folds, or becomes flat to damage something, especially something soft, by pressing it and making it flat: · Someone sat on my hat and squashed it.· He wouldn't even squash a fly, let alone murder someone.squash something flat: · He squashed the can flat between his hands.
to press something so hard that it gets damaged or broken into pieces: · His leg was crushed in the accident.· Coconuts have to be crushed in order to extract their oil.· He closed his fist over the flower, crushing it into a pulp.
to squash something until it is completely flat: · He fell against me so heavily I thought he was going to flatten me.· Her little car was completely flattened in the accident.
to press fruit or cooked vegetables with a fork or similar tool, until they are soft and smooth: · Mash the bananas and add them to the mixture.mash something up/mash up something: · Boil the potatoes and then mash them up.
to break something such as coffee beans or corn into powder, using a machine or special tool: · Grind some black pepper over the salad.grind something into something: · These huge stones were once used for grinding wheat into flour.
to press or hit something repeatedly, especially using a tool, so that it breaks into very small pieces or becomes soft or flat: · He pounded some garlic and ginger and put it in the pan.pound something flat: · Here the loose earth had been pounded flat by thousands of feet.
to crush a fruit or vegetable using special equipment to remove the juice, oil etc: · Friends come to help us gather the crop and press the grapes.· Enough olives had been gathered and pressed to produce 1000 litres of cooking oil.
to press a piece of paper or cloth into the shape of a ball: screw up something: · Sally screwed up the letter she was writing and threw it into the wastebasket.screw something/it up: · He screwed his handkerchief up into a ball and put it in his pocket.
to press a piece of paper or cloth so that it becomes smaller or bent: · He crumpled the cheque and threw it across the room.· Crumple up the bedclothes so it looks as though you slept there.
to switch something off to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example, lights, televisions, or computers: switch off something: · Always switch off your computer when you've finished.switch something off: · It's OK - I switched the TV off before I went out.
to make something stop working, for example by pressing a button or turning a tap - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn off something: · Would you turn off the heater before you go to bed?turn something off: · You forgot to turn the oven off!
to make an engine or a machine stop working: · George stopped the engine and got out of the car.· We had to stop the pump and unblock it.
to press a button that makes a machine stop: · If you want it to stop, just press the red button.
to switch a light off: put out something: · Norma put out the light and went to sleep.put something out: · Could you put the lamp out in the bedroom, please?
to make a light stop working by pressing a button: · Don't forget to turn out the lights when you go to bed, okay Annie?
if you shut off or shut down a machine, you make it stop operating: · The computer automatically shuts off the pump when no water is flowing.· The Department of Energy shut down the reactor because of safety considerations.
to remove the thing that connects a piece of electrical equipment to the main electricity supply, so that it is no longer connected to it: · Did you remember to unplug the kettle?· I was getting a lot of crank calls, so I started unplugging my phone at night.
formal to separate a piece of equipment from the main electricity or gas supply so that it is no longer connected to it: · Once a car has started, the engine would continue to run even if you disconnected the battery.
to switch something on to make something start working, for example by pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, for example lights, televisions, or computers: switch on something: · Will you switch on the television?· I switched on the radio to listen to the news.switch something on: · Do you mind if I switch the light on?· Exhaust fumes come into the car when I switch on the air conditioner.
to make something start working, for example by turning a tap or pressing a button - use this about things that use electricity, gas, or water: turn on something: · He went into the bathroom and turned on the shower.· Use timers to turn on indoor lights while you are away.turn something on: · Do you want me to turn the lights on?
to make a light, radio etc start working: put the light/radio/TV/kettle etc on: · Eva put the kettle on to make a cup of coffee.· Put the light on, then we can see what we're doing.· It was so cold I put the heating back on.
also start up to make a car, engine, machine etc start working: · She started the car and backed slowly out of the garage.· Clean or replace the air filter before attempting to start the engine.
: get a car/engine/machine etc started/going to succeed in making a car etc start after having some difficulty: · I couldn't get my car started this morning.· He rebuilt the engine and finally got it going.· It took the repairman an hour to get the washing machine going again.
to do something to make a piece of equipment that warns you about something start: set off something: · Someone accidentally set off the fire alarm.· Smoke alarms can be set off by smoke from cigarettes, cooking, and fireplaces.set something off: · The alarm is so sensitive that the slightest movement will set it off.
to make a system start operating - use this especially in technical contexts: · The bomb's firing mechanism is activated by a time-clock.· The smoke activated the sprinkler system.
to make a clock, toy, or other machine that does not have a power supply start moving: · Mr Carey wound up the old clock and gently set the pendulum going.· She pulled the lever that set the pump going and waited for the water.
to press a button which makes a machine start: · What happens when you press this button?· Somebody pushed the alarm button.
to pull a large control that switches on the electricity supply to something: · The Speaker of the House threw the switch for the Christmas tree lights in front of the Capitol building.
WORD SETSaccessory, nounalter, verbappliqué, nounarmband, nounarmhole, nounbag, nounbejewelled, adjectivebillfold, nounboater, nounbow, nounbowler, nounbow tie, nounbraid, nounbraid, verbbreast-pocket, nounbrim, nounbum bag, nounbust, nounbutton, nounbutton-down, adjectivebuttonhole, nouncape, nounchecked, adjectivecivvies, nounclasp, nouncleat, nounclingy, adjectiveclothes brush, nounclothes hanger, nounclutch bag, nouncoat check, nouncoat hanger, nouncoatroom, nouncobbler, nouncockade, nouncocktail dress, nouncodpiece, nouncollar, nouncollar stud, nouncolour-coordinated, adjectivecolourfast, adjectivecorsage, nouncostume, nouncoveralls, nouncravat, nouncrinkly, adjectivecut, noundark glasses, noundarn, verbdarn, noundart, noundécolletage, noundetailing, noundiadem, noundiaphanous, adjectivedishevelled, adjectivedowdy, adjectivedown-at-heel, adjectivedress, noundress, verbdressed, adjectivedressmaker, noundress sense, noundressy, adjectiveepaulette, nounfacing, nounfancy dress, nounfinery, nounfleecy, adjectivefop, noungarb, noungather, verbgingham, noungold-rimmed, adjectivegranny, adjectivegroom, verbhabit, nounhandbag, nounherringbone, nounknit, verbknitwear, nounline, verblined, adjectiveliner, nounlingerie, nounlining, nounlivery, nounlocker room, nounmade-to-measure, adjectivemade-to-order, adjectivemakeover, nounmodel, nounmodel, verbmodelling, nounmohair, nounname tag, nounnatty, adjectiveneckline, nounout, adverbpack, nounparasol, nounpinstripe, nounplaid, nounpleat, nounpleated, adjectiveplume, nounplumed, adjectiveplunging neckline, nounpocket, nounpocketbook, nounpocket handkerchief, nounpolka dot, nounpompom, nounpopper, nounpouch, nounpower dressing, nounpress, verbproof, verbpurse, nounraffish, adjectiveragged, adjectiverail, nounretro, adjectivesalon, nounsensible, adjectivesequin, nounset, verbshoeshine, nounshoulder bag, nounshoulder pad, nounshoulder strap, nounsingle-breasted, adjectivesize, nounsleeve, nounsleeveless, adjectivesling, nounsmocking, nounsoigné, adjectivespangle, nounsportswear, nounstarch, verbstitch, nounstud, nounstudded, adjectivetack, verbtail, nountailor, nountailored, adjectivetailoring, nountapered, adjectivetartan, nountatters, nounthread, nounthread, verbtie-dye, verbtie-pin, nountoe, nountoecap, nountoggle, nountongue, nountoupée, nountrainer, nountrimmings, nountrouser press, nounturn-up, nountweedy, adjectiveunbecoming, adjectiveundress, noununmentionables, nounvalet, nounwallet, nounwear, verbwearer, nounweatherproof, adjectivewell-dressed, adjectivewell-groomed, adjectivewristband, nounzip, nounzipper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness. I was pressing my claim for custody of the child. He decided it was time to press his point home.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES conservative press barons like Beaverbrook old press clippings about movie stars Margot sent him some press cuttings about the wedding. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. The Green Party held a press conference the next day.
Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness. I was pressing my claim for custody of the child. He decided it was time to press his point home. conservative press barons like Beaverbrook· The government spent thousands of pounds on a media campaign.
(=make someone be brought to court for a crime)· Sometimes the victim of an assault does not want to press charges.
old press clippings about movie stars (=on television, in newspapers etc)· The case has received wide press coverage.
Margot sent him some press cuttings about the wedding. For the first time in its history, the country has a free press. (=the right of newspapers to publish what they like, free from political control)· The freedom of the press is written into the country's constitution.
(=a very urgent need)· There’s a crying need for more doctors and nurses.
The Green Party held a press conference the next day. (=one that needs to be dealt with very soon)· Lack of clean drinking water is the most pressing problem facing the refugees.
· She appealed for an end to press speculation about her marriage.
· He pressed a switch on the wall and the door opened.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· But the government is unlikely to press ahead with what the Academy has disavowed.· But so is its determination to press ahead irrespective of the results of practical tests of the system.· There is no contradiction between paying tribute to those specialist services in London and pressing ahead with the reforms.· In self-confident mood, Franco pressed ahead with his plans for the Law of Succession.· Your other option is to press ahead with your Night Goblins and release your Fanatics in front of his best unit.· We will press ahead with regular appraisal of teachers to encourage high standards and develop professional skills.
· He pressed down on the cradle, waited a moment then dialled again.· There were clouds now, bloated and purply black, the sky pressing down hard.· Press the rice into the tin, cover it with foil and press down on all sides until it is compressed.· With no freeboard to counterbalance, the leeward rail pressed down, admitting the flood, and the boy bailed furiously.· Each time pressing down very firmly on the backing sheet, hammer nails into the other two sides.· Spread in a buttered 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan. Press down.· John ignored the heat building up under his hands and pressed down with all his weight.· The only sensation was of a heavy weight pressing down on his back.
· To return to where you were, keep pressing Forward.· She has to be careful not to trip over these little kids who press forward at her knees, begging for autographs.· Aurangzeb seized the moment and pressed forward.· Jane pressed forward through the crowd to take her place.· Stop him who can! Press forward every gallant man With hatchet, pike and gun!· Checked again and again, they still pressed forward.· The younger man pressed forward, his hands tied behind his back.· But this latest phase has now also emboldened Bush to press forward with his agenda in strong, conservative strokes.
· It will be a non-title clash, but if Owens is successful then he will obviously press hard for a title chance.· Alicea will be hard pressed to get the $ 800, 000 he received last year.· The Reds, desperate to open the scoring, fought well and pressed hard, with Hutchison and Marsh testing Cherchesov again.· You will be hard pressed to choose a single main course because so many are mouth-watering.· The new strike partnership of Saunders and substitute Dwight Yorke failed to make an immediate impression as Ipswich pressed hard.· They point to long-term costs that even a thriving enterprise would be hard pressed to minimize or absorb.· The statue was unreasonably heavy, pressing hard against him.· We had pressed hard for these and the Inspector eventually agreed to a series at four different venues.
· Will its foes use the occasion of Kabila s death to press home their advantage?· For a complete forward search, press Home Home up arrow to reach the first page before pressing F2.
· In Ban Chon, the most pressing issue among teenagers was drugs.· The first and most pressing demand upon me was the immediate safety of the capital and the government.· But the handheld device might solve the most pressing problem of the internet age: how to get developing countries online.· Congress authorized a loan of five hundred thousand pesos to meet the most pressing expenses of government.· The United States considers strategic weapons negotiations the most pressing issue to be sorted out at the summit.· This approach has tended to reward countries for appropriate political behavior instead of concentrating on the most pressing development needs.· Sometimes the most pressing performance gaps are more obvious than easy.
· Richie attempted to press on with An Early Bath for Thompson, but he soon nodded off.· He pressed on, thinking big, planning the largest electric furnace in the world.· Judges declined to answer her question, but Ward pressed on, spelling C-I-D-E-R-I-A-L.· He pressed on and on, resting only briefly on a rock outcrop before continuing.· Santa Anna fled to Orizaba while the invaders pressed on tO Puebla, which was occupied on the fifteenth of May.· So go for it, she told herself, and pressed on.· Hugo glanced at his watch, and decided to press on for another half-hour.
NOUN· Will its foes use the occasion of Kabila s death to press home their advantage?· The firm knew its value to the project and pressed for every advantage it could.· For game 5 one would have expected that Karpov would have wished to press fiercely for an advantage with the white pieces.
· As instructed, he got out and pressed a bell in the wall, and after a moment the gates opened.· He pressed the bell and waited, half hoping that it wouldn't ring or no one would come.· She reached for her packet of Soviet-made Marlboros, noticed the full ashtray and pressed a bell on her desk.· I found that out when I'd pressed the bell and no one came.· I must be brave for Perdita's sake, said Daisy through chattering teeth as she pressed the door bell.· Wycliffe pressed a bell push in a door with stained glass panels.· She had managed to press the bell with the end of her whip.
· Pointing at the object and pressing the right mouse button displays each object's properties.· Simply press the reset button twice and the machine boots up into the diagnostic routine.· Bowman cracked the seal, and pressed the button.· He pressed a button and somewhere high above machinery clunked into life.· What did I do, press a button or something?· About all the exercise you get is pressing the button on your automatic gear change.· Confused and agitated, he pressed the call button.
· The nationalist presses the case to encompass all the world's people.· If Pat Buchanan has a beef with trade policy, Iowa is a strange place to press his protectionist case.· I am not proposing him for Moderator, but I am pressing his case.· The magistrate Swallow, imperious, yet insightful in the resounding portrayal of bass Louis Lebherz, presses the case for them.· In 1773 the grievance committee ofthe Separate Baptists resolved to press their case.· When the Orange County voters sent him to the Virginia Assembly, he found the forum he needed to press the case.· When you and I were out touring the sticks, young Orville was back in town, pressing his case pretty hard.
· The Jana'ata, preoccupied with larger affairs, pressed no charges and released Sandoz to the custody of the Consortium.· Manning said Las Vegas police never recommended a prosecution in the hotel beating because Anderson declined to press charges.· Is there anything I can do to press charges against these men?· Mrs Moon unsuccessfully implored prosecutors not to press charges against her husband.· The assistant chaplain at Long Lartin, in her 40's, has decided not to press charges.· He did not press charges against the police as the lawyer urged him to.· Police say the owner of the boats doesn't want to press charges against whoever was responsible.· There were no arrests, but the attorney general is considering pressing charges against club operators.
· Contact your tax office and press your claim.· It has no pressing economic claim on my conscience.· New bodies emerged to represent and press the claims of the more assertive national minorities.· With Jamie Pollock suspended for one match, Proctor could press his claims for a recall to the squad.· Almost certainly some suitors must have continued to press their claims through courtiers and household servants.
· He pressed his face to the glass.· He pressed his face against the cold metal as the rain started to come down.· She turned and pressed her face against his chest.· She couldn't make that mistake now, not with the moist thick snuffling pressed up against her face.· I pressed my face to the window.· His body ached for her and he would press his face into the lumpy pillow groaning with the hopelessness of his need.· A prickly heat pressed against his face.
· He jabs his finger to slam home his message and he is happy to press flesh and kiss babies.· His fingers pressed into the soft flesh of my arms as he tried to force apart my hands.· She gripped my hand, pressing dirt and flesh into my palm.· Clinton stayed long enough to press the flesh and view several sample issue ads with the donors.
· They are pressing their government to stop the diving and turn Truk into a war grave.· Congress authorized a loan of five hundred thousand pesos to meet the most pressing expenses of government.· Liberal peer, Lord Avebury, pressed the government last week for further information about the computer.· The Santanistas then retreated to La Griega, being hard pressed by the government troops.· These expectations were nurtured by the adversarial nature of electoral competition and they pressed hard on to government.· A new lobbying group has been formed to press the Government for tougher action on climate change.· The codex secretariat has pressed governments to encourage more consumer groups to attend.· He's the man who spent 11 years pressing the Government to introduce some sort of training for new motorcyclists.
· He tugged on the ends of the billowing wig and ran his hands over it, pressing it to his head.· John ignored the heat building up under his hands and pressed down with all his weight.· The red-coated rider had one hand pressed flat on the top of his black hat.· She gripped my hand, pressing dirt and flesh into my palm.
· For people with trouble controlling their hand movements, special key guards allow them to press only the key they want.· The effects of these keys are cancelled when you press the Enter key.· If you then take the cursor up one line and press the delete key you will have deleted the tab.· Each time that you press the key, the left margin moves to the next tab stop toward the right.· You can prove this by going back to the start of the paragraph and pressing the Backspace key.· You can use this function to wait for a specified time for a key to be pressed.· He hummed the little tones as he pressed each key.· La Beale Isoud sat down and pressed the necessary, keys.
· But she pressed her lips tightly together and rode steadily on.· What holds him back from pressing his lips upon those lips with brown lipstick?· She shivered and pressed her lips against his skin.· She rolled over on top of him pressing her lips against his, her tongue teasing, her hand rocking him.· Bob Southwell only pressed his lips together and didn't say anything.· He drew her towards him, in play, and pressed his lips on her lips.· Slowly Ruth ran her hand across his chest and pressed her lips to his flesh once again.
· Piers didn't say anything, but he didn't press the point with her.· We have become expert in the physiognomy of pleasure, the nodes to press, the points to massage.· I decided not press the point.· To press the point home, each packet carried the World Wildlife Fund logo.· Unfortunately, the newspaper reporter did not press him on the point.· She had refused to disrupt an already smoothly running system and he hadn't pressed the point.· It was not a place for reasoned argument and Alec Davidson did not press his point further.· Deuce did not press the point.
· You can now move the highlight to the subject that is being queried, press return and view the information.· Highlight the desired file using the arrow keys, then press Return to select 6, the default Look option.· Double clicking has the same effect as pressing the return or enter key.· May I urge him to press for a return to traditional standards of teaching in our primary schools as soon as possible?
· Bees, flies, birds, lemurs and tree kangaroos are all pressed into service.· The penguin presses the pants into service for a dastardly diamond heist.· Secondly, the Fabians pressed evolutionary theory in service of a collectivist ideal.· Vehicles of various kinds were pressed into service.· Every bit of board and rusty sheet of metal had to be pressed into service.· When Alvin arrived, he was pressed into rapid service of the sort he was learning of necessity to thrive on.· It presses new mutations into service as they arise and is just as ready to make do with what is already around.· Sometimes, complete new pieces of biochemical equipment evolve, but more often workaday genes are pressed into service.
· The driver pressed the switch fully down and the beam became of blinding intensity.· This allowed me to select words from a series of menus on the screen by pressing a switch in my hand.· Lily moved away from him and pressed the switch that plunged the room into darkness.· Her fingers pressed the switches and the lights on the ceiling of the incident room flickered into life.· Bienvida pressed the light switch but the bulb was long used-up and no one had replaced it.· The figure pressed a switch on the wall and the bars of the cage disappeared.· In the test the subjects were required to learn to press a given switch out of four available in response to a given light.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► be pressed for time/cash etc► press something home► press somebody’s hand/armPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► press/push somebody’s buttons► press-gang somebody into doing something
- He did not press charges against the police as the lawyer urged him to.
- Is there anything I can do to press charges against these men?
- Manning said Las Vegas police never recommended a prosecution in the hotel beating because Anderson declined to press charges.
- Mrs Moon unsuccessfully implored prosecutors not to press charges against her husband.
- Police say the owner of the boats doesn't want to press charges against whoever was responsible.
- The assistant chaplain at Long Lartin, in her 40's, has decided not to press charges.
- The high priests and elders being still keen to press charges, Festus invited them to Caesarea to put their case.
- Cut it down, dye it red and press it into service for that next dinner dance?
- Eric, at the time a budding saxophonist, press ganged Melanie into service as a singer in his band Adventure.
- It presses new mutations into service as they arise and is just as ready to make do with what is already around.
- The penguin presses the pants into service for a dastardly diamond heist.
- Smiling happily, the President reached into the crowd to press the flesh.
- Clinton stayed long enough to press the flesh and view several sample issue ads with the donors.
- Will its foes use the occasion of Kabila s death to press home their advantage?
- He pushed all the right buttons.
- These are words which are all designed to press the right buttons among women voters.
- Finally, could you leave the insults to the gutter press please?
- Without doubt the gutter press whirlwind contained no substance whatsoever.
- Aunt Edie was in such a rage about it that she was hard put to contain herself.
- Governments will then be hard put to get it on to their national statute books by mid-1993.
- I can assure you that any busybody would be hard put to it to prove maltreatment!
- Leinster will be hard pushed to keep the score within the respectable margins of defeat set by their predecessors.
- Once an apology is given, the defendant will be hard put to contest liability later.
- The slave's side ... and even Miss Phoebe would be hard put to understand.
- With his height and features, he was hard put to pass as a native.
- You will be hard pressed to choose a single main course because so many are mouth-watering.
- People were queuing up for the new Harry Potter book to arrive - hot off the press.
- And why have governments in the region not pressed the panic button?
- Derby County chairman Brian Fearn has refused to push the panic button after Tranmere's 2-1 win.
- By the second half of the game, the Tigers had really started to put the pedal to the metal.
- Later, Brooks' brother alleged that racism helped put the pedal to the metal.
- According to Hirsch and Gordon, the quality press focuses on those issues which interest and reflect its middle and upper class readership.
- In the quality press, first, the 1960s saw a great growth of specialization within public affairs journalism.
- Instant wisdom proffered by some commentators in the quality press is that Labour's task is forlorn.
- Such calculations are normally done daily and are published in financial and other quality newspapers.
- Support for the Alliance was weaker amongst readers of the tabloids than readers of the quality press: all perhaps as expected.
- The quality newspapers treated the story in a few paragraphs.
- The habit of reading the paper backwards even spread to the quality press.
- The same is true of the mid-market press and the quality newspapers.
WORD FAMILYadjectivepressedpressingpressurizedpressurednounpresspressurepressingverbpresspressurepressurize
1against something [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to push something firmly against a surface SYN push: Manville kept his back pressed flat against the wall. She pressed the gas pedal and the car leapt forwards. He pressed a card into her hand before leaving.2button [transitive] to push a button, switch etc to make a machine start, a bell ring etc SYN push: Lily pressed the switch and plunged the room into darkness. Press control, alt, delete to log on to the computer.3clothes [transitive] to make clothes smooth using a hot iron SYN iron: I’ll need to press my suit.4crowd [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] to move in a particular direction by pushing: The car rocked as the crowd pressed hard against it.5persuade [intransitive, transitive] to try hard to persuade someone to do something, especially by asking them many times: I felt that if I had pressed him he would have lent me the money.press somebody to do something The police pressed her to remember all the details.press somebody for something The manufacturers are pressing the government for action.press for We must continue to press for full equality. I was pressing my claim for custody of the child.6heavy weight [transitive] to put pressure or a weight on something to make it flat, crush it etc: pressed flowers At this stage the grapes have to be pressed.7hold somebody/something close [transitive] to hold someone or something close to youpress somebody/something to you He reached out and pressed her to him.8press somebody’s hand/arm to hold someone’s hand or arm tightly for a short time, to show friendship, sympathy etc: Sometimes he was too ill to speak, and just pressed my hand.9press charges to say officially that someone has done something illegal and must go to court10be pressed for time/cash etc to not have enough time, money etc: a government department that is pressed for both time and money11give [transitive] to offer something to someone and try to make them take itpress something on somebody I pressed money on him, but he refused to take it.12exercise [transitive] to push a weight up from your chest using only your arms, without moving your legs or feet13press somebody/something into service to persuade someone to help you, or to use something to help you do something because of an unexpected problem or need: The army was pressed into service to fight the fires.14press the flesh to shake hands with a lot of people – used humorously: The president reached into the crowd to press the flesh.15press something home a)to push something into its place: Jane slammed the door and pressed the bolt home. b)to repeat or emphasize something, so that people remember it: He decided it was time to press his point home.16press home your advantage to try to succeed completely, using an advantage that you have gained17record [transitive] to make a copy of a record, CD etc → be hard pressed to do something at hard2(5)THESAURUSpress to push something down or against a surface with your fingers or foot: · The doctor gently pressed her stomach.· To move forward, press the accelerator.· I pressed ‘delete’ and started again.squeeze to press something inwards from both sides: · It’s one of those balls that make a funny noise when you squeeze it.· Squeeze the lemon and add the juice to the sauce.squash to press something against a surface accidentally and damage it by making it flat: · Don’t squash the tomatoes.· He sat on my hat and squashed it.crush to press something very hard so that it breaks into very small pieces, or is very badly damaged: · Crush two cloves of garlic.· The front of the car was completely crushed in the crash.mash to press cooked vegetables or fruit until they are soft and smooth: · Mash the potatoes while they are warm.· Babies love mashed bananas.grind to press something solid until it becomes a powder, using a machine or tool: · the machine that grinds the corn· freshly ground coffeepress on (also press ahead phrasal verb) to continue doing something, especially working, in a determined way: We’ll talk about your suggestion later – now let’s just press on.press on with Shall we press ahead with the minutes of the last meeting?