Press
/pɹɛs/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo exert steady force on (something), typically with the hand, a tool, or a machine.
/pɹɛs/
To apply force to something.
He pressed the button to start the machine.
💡 Simply: Think about squeezing something really hard. Like when you press a button to turn on the TV, or when you press a shirt to get the wrinkles out. You're putting force on it!
👶 For kids: To push or squeeze something hard.
More Examples
She pressed the dough flat with a rolling pin.
The soldiers pressed the attack relentlessly.
How It's Used
"The workers used a hydraulic press to shape the metal."
"She pressed her lips together in a tight line."
To urge or persuade (someone) to do something.
/pɹɛs/
To urge or persuade.
The company is pressing its employees to meet the deadline.
💡 Simply: Like when you really want your parents to say yes, you 'press' them to let you have ice cream! You keep asking and asking!
👶 For kids: To keep asking someone to do something.
More Examples
The lawyer pressed the witness for more information.
The protestors pressed their demands on the government.
How It's Used
"The lobbyists pressed the senators to vote for the bill."
"She pressed him for an answer."
Newspapers, magazines, and other organizations and journalists that collect and distribute news.
/pɹɛs/
The news media and journalists.
The press is always eager for a good story.
💡 Simply: It's all the newspapers, magazines, and TV news reporters. They are the ones who tell us what's happening in the world.
👶 For kids: The people who write the news in newspapers, magazines, and on TV.
More Examples
The government is trying to control the press.
The press conference was held to address the public.
How It's Used
"The press reported extensively on the event."
"The president held a press conference."
A machine or device used for printing or shaping something by applying pressure.
/pɹɛs/
A machine or device.
The printing press was invented by Gutenberg.
💡 Simply: Like the machines that squeeze things, like a clothes iron that 'presses' your clothes to make them smooth, or the ones that make juice, like the ones used to make orange juice.
👶 For kids: A machine that squishes or pushes things.
More Examples
The industrial press is used to shape metal parts.
The apple press produced fresh cider.
How It's Used
"They used a hydraulic press to flatten the metal sheets."
"The printing press was a revolutionary invention."
A situation in which there is a lot of pressure or urgency.
/pɹɛs/
A crowded situation.
The company is under intense press to release the new product.
💡 Simply: Sometimes things feel really crowded and busy, like a big crowd of people or feeling super rushed to finish something. This can also apply to pressure to win!
👶 For kids: A time when things are crowded, busy, or difficult.
More Examples
The team felt the press during the championship game.
The rising cost of living puts a lot of press on young families.
How It's Used
"The team was under a lot of press to perform well after their recent win."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
press ahead
To continue with something, especially despite difficulties or opposition.
"Despite the challenges, the team pressed ahead with the project."
press for
To try hard to get something, to demand or request something insistently.
"They pressed for more information about the missing person."
press the flesh
To shake hands and interact with people at a social event, especially to gain support.
"The politician spent the afternoon pressing the flesh at the local fair."
From Old French *presser* (“to press, squeeze, urge”), from Latin *premere* (“to press, squeeze, suppress”).
The word 'press' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a device used to apply pressure. Its meaning expanded to encompass printing and, later, the news media.
Memory tip
Imagine a printing press, applying force to transfer ink to paper.
Word Origin
"to press, squeeze"