to apply a force to (somebody or something) in such a way as to make them move away from oneself or the source of the force
to move (somebody or something) into or towards something in this way
He pushed his glove back in his pocket
to make (one's way) by pushing
to cause (something) to change in quantity or extent under pressure of some cause or force
Scarcity of labour pushed up wages
to press or urge (somebody) to do something
They keep pushing us to go and see them
to urge (oneself, etc) to make great or greater efforts
to develop or promote (an idea or argument)
to make strong efforts to sell (a product, etc)
to force (somebody) towards or beyond the limits of capacity or endurance
Poverty pushed them to breaking point
(usu be pushing) informal to approach in age or number
The old man was already pushing 80
slang to engage in the illicit sale of (drugs)
to hit (a ball in e.g. cricket, golf, or baseball) towards the right from a right-handed swing or towards the left from a left-handed swing
to press against something with steady force in order to move it away or as if to do so
to press forwards energetically against obstacles or opposition
In the early 1900s explorers pushed out into the Antarctic
(+ for) to demand something strenuously
MPs have been pushing for an official inquiry
to extend or stretch out to or into something
There are fingers of dry land pushing into the swamp
to be too busy
I'd love to stop and chat but I'm rather pushed this afternoon
to find it difficult
They'd be pushed to finish the job by Friday
(+ for) to be almost unable to find enough (time, money, etc)
to take a further risk after being lucky in earlier risks