Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To exert a downward force or pressure upon something, typically with weight or physical effort. It implies a steady, often heavy, application of force from above.

Usage

• This phrasal verb is used to describe the action of applying weight or pressure to something, causing it to be compressed, held in place, or forced downward.
• It often conveys a sense of burden, oppression, or physical restraint.
• The structure is typically: Subject + press down on + Object.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The heavy books press down on the shelf, making it bend slightly.
  • She pressed down on the lid to seal the jar tightly.
  • A feeling of anxiety pressed down on him as he waited for the results.

Advanced Usage

• "to press down on someone/something": Can be used figuratively to describe a psychological or emotional burden.
  • The responsibilities of his new job pressed down on him, leaving him exhausted.
  • The government's new regulations are pressing down on small businesses.

Variants and Related Words

• Bear down on (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably with "press down on," especially for physical force or an approaching threat.
  • The storm bore down on the coastal town.
• Press (verb): The base verb, meaning to apply steady force or to push against.
• Depress (verb): To push something down, often a button or lever; also means to make someone feel sad.
• Compress (verb): To press or squeeze something so that it occupies less space.

Synonyms

• Weigh down: To be a heavy load on; to burden.
• Push down: To exert force in a downward direction.
• Squash: To crush or press something so that it becomes flat, soft, or out of shape.
• Oppress: To keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority (figurative use).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Press on: To continue doing something with determination.
  • Despite the fatigue, they pressed on with the journey.
• Press for: To demand something persistently or to try hard to achieve it.
  • The workers are pressing for higher wages.

Related Idioms

• Press one's luck: To take a risk in the hope of continued success or good fortune.
  • He won a small prize but decided not to press his luck and quit the game.
• Press into service: To make someone or something serve a purpose, especially in an emergency.
  • Every available truck was pressed into service to deliver supplies.

Verb

1. exert a force with a heavy weight
   • The snow bore down on the roof