bear down
To push down hard, or to try much harder at something.
Meanings
To apply strong downward physical pressure on something.
"Bear down on the wound firmly to stop the bleeding."
To make a greater effort; to concentrate and try harder, especially in a competitive or challenging situation.
"The team bore down in the final quarter and managed to score twice."
During childbirth, to push with force during contractions.
"The midwife told her to bear down with the next contraction."
Used in several distinct contexts: physical force (pressing down on something), effort (trying harder), sailing (see 'bear down on'), and obstetrics (pushing during labour). Context always makes the meaning clear.
Commonly used with
Forms
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