push-button

A technician presses the push-button to start the machine.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Operated by or relating to a push button: "push-button" describes a device, system, or mechanism that is activated by pressing a button. It often implies simplicity, automation, or ease of use.
   • Figurative: requiring little effort or thought: "push-button" can also refer to a process or action that is automated or effortless, as if controlled by a button.

2. Noun (rare):

   • A button that is pushed to activate a device: In technical or informal contexts, "push-button" can be used as a noun meaning the button itself, though "push button" (two words) is more common for this sense.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The elevator has a push-button control panel. (The panel uses buttons that are pressed to operate the elevator.)
  • Modern warfare has become a push-button affair, with drones and missiles launched remotely. (Figurative: warfare now involves automated, remote-controlled actions with minimal human effort.)
  • She prefers push-button locks for their convenience. (Locks that open by pressing a button.)

• Noun:

  • The push-button on the remote is stuck. (The button itself that is pressed to activate the remote.)

Advanced Usage

• "push-button age": an era characterized by automation and easy operation of technology.

  • We live in a push-button age where most tasks can be completed with a simple press. (An age where technology is highly automated.)

• "push-button solution": a simple, often oversimplified, solution to a complex problem.

  • There is no push-button solution to climate change. (No easy, automated fix exists.)

Variants and Related Words

• Push button (noun phrase): the physical button itself.

  • Press the push button to start the machine. (The button you push.)

• Button (n): a small disk or knob used to activate a function.

  • He pushed the button on the doorbell. (A button for ringing.)

• Push (v): to press against something to move it.

  • Push the button gently. (Apply pressure to the button.)

Synonyms

• Automatic: operating by itself without direct human intervention.

  • The automatic door opens when you approach. (Self-operating.)

• Effortless: requiring little or no effort.

  • The push-button start makes the car effortless to turn on. (Easy to operate.)

• Remote-controlled: operated from a distance, often by a button.

  • The push-button toy car is remote-controlled. (Controlled via buttons.)

Related Idioms

• At the push of a button: very easily or quickly, with minimal effort.

  • You can access all your files at the push of a button. (Instantly and easily.)

• Push someone's buttons: to provoke or irritate someone deliberately.

  • He knows how to push her buttons by mentioning her ex-boyfriend. (Annoy her intentionally.)

Phrasal Verbs (related to "push")

• Push in: to interrupt or intrude.

  • He tried to push in on our conversation. (Interrupt rudely.)

• Push through: to force something to be accepted or completed.

  • She pushed the proposal through the committee. (Got it approved despite resistance.)