1 A2 neutral
To apply force to move something in a downward direction.
"Push down firmly on the lid to make sure the container is properly sealed."
separable
push down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To apply downward physical force on something, or to keep prices, levels, or emotions suppressed.
In plain English
To push something toward the ground, or to keep something at a low level.
What does "push down" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To reduce or keep prices, costs, or rates at a low level.
"Increased competition has helped push down the price of flights across Europe."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To suppress emotions or feelings, preventing them from being expressed.
"He kept pushing down his anxiety rather than talking to anyone about it."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Transparent — to exert force in a downward direction.
Actually means
To push something toward the ground, or to keep something at a low level.
Usage tip
Very common in both physical and economic/emotional contexts. In financial journalism, 'push down prices' or 'push down inflation' is a standard expression. In emotional contexts, 'push down feelings' is common in psychological discussion.
Words that pair with "push down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prices costs inflation feelings lever button emotions
How to conjugate "push down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
push down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pushes down
he/she/it
Past simple
pushed down
yesterday
Past participle
pushed down
have + pp
-ing form
pushing down
continuous
Hear "push down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "push down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.