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press
/prɛs/
to apply pressure or exert force
She pressed the button to start the machine.
She applied force to the button to activate the machine.
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
Related Phrases
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
rootEnglish Dictionary