Definition

1. Verb:

   • To cause something or someone to move backwards by applying force or pressure.
   • To resist or oppose a force, idea, or advance; to force a retreat or withdrawal.

2. Noun:

   • An act or instance of forcing something back or causing a retreat.

Usage

• Verb: The primary use is to describe physically moving something backward or metaphorically resisting an advance.
  • The police had to push back the crowd to create a safe perimeter.
  • We must push back against these unfair regulations.
• Noun: Used to describe the act itself.
  • The army's successful push back secured the border.

Examples

• Verb:
  • She used her hands to push back the heavy door.
  • The community decided to push back on the proposed construction plan.
  • He tried to push back the feelings of anxiety.
• Noun:
  • The general ordered a push back at dawn.
  • There was a significant push back from the public regarding the new policy.

Advanced Usage

• "To push back on something": To express opposition or resistance to an idea, plan, or demand.
  • The committee is expected to push back on the budget cuts.
• "To push back against something": To actively resist pressure, force, or an unwelcome change.
  • Activists are pushing back against environmental degradation.

Variants and Related Words

• Pushback (Noun): Often written as one word, meaning resistance or opposition to a plan or idea.
  • The proposal met with strong pushback from senior management.
• Repel (Verb): To force something to move away or back; to resist effectively.
• Repulse (Verb): To drive back an attack or attacker.

Synonyms

• Repel
• Force back
• Drive back
• Repulse
• Resist
• Oppose

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fight back: To defend oneself by fighting or resisting.
  • The villagers had to fight back against the invaders.
• Hold back: To restrain or prevent from advancing.
  • The dam held back the floodwaters.

Related Idioms

• Beat back: To force to retreat, often used in military or conflict contexts.
  • The firefighters worked to beat back the flames.
• Stand one's ground: To refuse to retreat or change one's position.
  • Despite the pressure, she stood her ground.

Noun

1. the act of forcing the enemy to withdraw

Verb

1. cause to move back by force or influence
   • repel the enemy
   • push back the urge to smoke
   • beat back the invaders