Definition

Verb: 1. To extract or obtain a substance, typically a liquid, by applying mechanical pressure or force. 2. To form or shape something, especially from a malleable material, by applying pressure. 3. To extinguish something by applying pressure to crush it.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Extract):
  • The machine presses out the juice from the apples.
  • To make the oil, they press out the seeds.
• Verb (Shape/Form):
  • The factory presses out thousands of plastic parts every day.
  • He used a mold to press out the shape from the sheet of metal.
• Verb (Extinguish):
  • Please press out your cigarette in the ashtray.
  • She carefully pressed out the candle's flame with her fingers.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a deliberate, mechanical, or forceful action to achieve a result (extraction, formation, or extinguishing).
• It can be used in both literal and somewhat figurative contexts related to removal or application of pressure.
  • The new policy is designed to press out inefficiencies from the system. (Figurative: to remove)

Variants and Related Words

• Press (verb): The base verb meaning to apply steady force.
• Express (verb): A close synonym, especially for extracting liquids (e.g., ).
• Extrude (verb): A more technical term for shaping material by forcing it through a die.
• Stub out (phrasal verb): A direct synonym for extinguishing a cigarette or cigar by pressing.

Synonyms

• Extract
• Squeeze out
• Force out
• Mold (for shaping)
• Stub out (for extinguishing)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Press on: To continue doing something with determination.
• Press for: To demand or urge something strongly.

Related Idioms

• Press the flesh: To shake hands with many people, especially in a political context.
• Pressed for time: To be in a hurry; to have very little time available.

Verb

1. obtain from a substance, as by mechanical action
   • Italians express coffee rather than filter it
2. press from a plastic
   • press a record
3. extinguish by crushing
   • stub out your cigar