shove around
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To boss someone around or push them in a rough, rude way
Literal meaning: To shove someone so they move around — transparent
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To push someone roughly, causing them to move or stumble
"A fight broke out when one player started shoving the other around near the goal."
Grammar: separable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To treat someone in a domineering or bullying way, disregarding their rights or feelings
"I won't let anyone shove me around in this office — I'll speak up if something's wrong."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in American English. In the physical sense, describes rough contact. In the figurative sense, means to dominate or mistreat someone. Often followed by a strong assertion of resistance: 'I won't be shoved around.'
Commonly used with
people staff employees kids neighbours
Forms
Base
shove around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoves around
he/she/it
Past simple
shoved around
yesterday
Past participle
shoved around
have + pp
-ing form
shoving around
continuous
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