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press

/prɛs/
nounverb★Intermediate— to apply pressure or exert force
general

to apply pressure or exert force on something

He pressed the doorbell to announce his arrival.

He applied pressure to the doorbell to make it ring.

💡

Can be used both literally and metaphorically.

informal

to persuade or influence someone to do something

The manager pressed the team to meet the deadline.

The manager persuaded the team to complete the work on time.

💡

Often used in business or social contexts.

media

to print or publish something in a newspaper or magazine

The newspaper pressed the story about the scandal.

The newspaper published the story about the scandal.

💡

Commonly used in the context of journalism.

💻Technology
technical

a machine or device that applies pressure to shape or cut materials

The factory uses a hydraulic press to shape metal parts.

The factory uses a machine that applies pressure to form metal parts.

💡

Common in manufacturing and industrial contexts.

media

the collective body of journalists and news organizations

The press gathered outside the courthouse for the verdict.

Journalists and news organizations assembled outside the courthouse.

💡

Often used to refer to the media as a whole.

Collocations

press conferencea formal meeting where officials speak to the mediapress releasean official statement issued to the mediapress freedomthe right of journalists to report without censorship

Synonyms

apply pressuresqueezepushurgepublish

Antonyms

releaseloosenignore

Related Phrases

press onphrasal verb
to continue despite difficulties
under the pressphrase
under pressure or stress

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'press' changes based on the context. Pay attention to whether it's used as a verb or a noun.

⚡Gold Rule

Verb vs. Noun

Remember that 'press' can be both a verb (to apply pressure) and a noun (the media or a machine).

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'pressen', from Old French 'presser', from Latin 'pressare' (to press).

📝Usage Notes

The word 'press' can be a verb or a noun, and its meaning varies depending on the context. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Word Breakdown

press
to apply pressure or exert force
root
English Dictionary

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