bear down
The term "bear down" has multiple meanings, often involving exerting effort, pressure, or determination in various contexts.
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Definition
B2General
(common)To increase effort or concentration to achieve a goal.
Example
- The team needs to bear down if they want to win the championship.
B2Physical
(common)To apply steady pressure or force in a downward direction.
Example
- The weight of the snow was bearing down on the roof.
C1Medical
(technical)To exert downward pressure on the abdomen, often during childbirth.
Example
- The doctor instructed her to bear down during labor.
C1Interpersonal
(common)To approach someone or something with determination or in a threatening manner.
Example
- The protesters bore down on the building, demanding change.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "bear down":
knuckle downbite downbear upbrace upbatten downbear againstdouble downgo hardbuck uppress downtighten upcharge downbull upbeat downgrit one's teethbear onhunker downbare one's teethget downback downgather strengthfasten down