Press vs. Push: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Press involves applying force to something, often with a continuous motion, whereas push involves exerting force to move something forward or away. Pressing is often gentler and more controlled, while pushing is typically more forceful.
Key Differences
Press refers to applying force to something, typically in a downward or inward direction. This action is often continuous and controlled. For instance, you might press a button to activate a device, indicating a deliberate and steady application of pressure. Push, on the other hand, involves exerting force to move something away from oneself. This action is more forceful and involves a single, often abrupt motion. For example, you push a door open, which requires a distinct effort to move it forward.
Pressing is commonly associated with operating machinery or devices. It requires a specific amount of pressure to achieve the desired outcome. For example, pressing keys on a keyboard involves a consistent application of force. Pushing is associated with moving objects or people. It involves a directional force that changes the position of the object being pushed. For example, pushing a cart involves moving it in a specific direction with some effort.
The term press can also imply a gentle, continuous action, such as pressing flowers in a book. This involves applying steady pressure over time. On the other hand, pushing often implies a brief and forceful action, such as pushing a person out of the way.
In terms of usage, press is often used in contexts requiring precision and control, while push is used where force and direction are more critical. Both terms involve applying force, but the manner and purpose of the force differ significantly.
Comparison Chart
Type of Force
Continuous, controlled
Single, often abrupt
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Direction
Downward or inward
Forward or away
Common Usage
Operating devices, applying steady pressure
Moving objects or people
Example
Pressing a button
Pushing a door
Connotation
Gentle, deliberate
Forceful, directional
Press and Push Definitions
Press
To apply force to something gently or steadily.
She pressed the start button on the machine.
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Push
To exert force to move something forward or away.
He pushed the door open with a firm shove.
Press
To urge or insist.
The reporter pressed the politician for answers.
Push
To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it
Pushed the door but couldn't budge it.
Press
To engage in an act that requires a gentle touch.
He pressed his lips together thoughtfully.
Push
To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove
Pushed the crate aside.
Press
To exert steady weight or force against
An indentation where the rock pressed the ground.
Push
To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.
Press
To move by applying pressure
Press a piano key.
Press one's face into a pillow.
Push
To force (one's way)
We pushed our way through the crowd.
Press
To squeeze or clasp in fondness or concern
Pressed her hand before leaving.
Push
To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure
Pushed him to study harder.
Press
To squeeze the juice or other contents from
Press lemons.
Push
To extend or enlarge
Pushed sales into the millions.
Press
To extract (juice, for example) by squeezing or compressing.
Push
(Informal) To approach in age
Is pushing 40 and still hasn't settled down.
Press
To reshape or make compact by applying steady force; compress
Pressed the clay in a mold.
Push
(Informal) To promote or sell (a product)
The author pushed her latest book by making appearances in bookstores.
Press
To iron (clothing, for example).
Push
(Slang) To sell (a narcotic) illegally
Push drugs.
Press
To make (a sound recording), originally by pressing (a vinyl phonograph record) under pressure in a mold.
Push
(Sports) To hit (a ball) in the direction toward the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the right of a right-handed player.
Press
To bear down on or attack
The army pressed the rebels for months.
Push
To exert pressure or force against something
Winds pushing against the sail.
Press
To carry on or advance vigorously (an attack, for instance).
Push
To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward
The regiment pushed toward the front line.
Press
To place in trying or distressing circumstances
Are you pressed for money?.
Push
To advocate or recommend something insistently
Pushed for a change in leadership.
Press
To insist upon or put forward insistently
Press a claim.
Press an argument.
Push
To expend great or vigorous effort
Pushed to finish his paper by the deadline.
Press
To try to influence or persuade, as by insistent arguments; pressure or entreat
He pressed her for a reply.
Push
The act of pushing; a thrust
Gave the door a push.
Press
To insist that someone accept (something). Often used with on or upon
Was given to pressing peculiar gifts upon his nieces.
Push
The act of pressing
With a push of the button.
Press
(Sports) To lift (a weight) to a position above the head without moving the legs.
Push
A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive
A push to reform health care.
Press
To exert force or pressure
Felt the backpack pressing on her shoulders.
Push
A provocation to action; a stimulus
Has artistic talent but needs a push to get started.
Press
To be worrisome or depressing; weigh heavily
Guilt pressed upon his conscience.
Push
(Informal) Persevering energy; enterprise
Doesn't have the push to get the job done.
Press
To advance eagerly; move forward urgently
We pressed through the crowd to get to the bus.
Push
To apply a force to (an object) such that it moves away from the person or thing applying the force.
In his anger he pushed me against the wall and threatened me.
You need to push quite hard to get this door open.
Press
To assemble closely and in large numbers; crowd
Fans pressed around the movie star.
Push
(transitive) To continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
Press
To continue a course of action, especially in spite of difficulties
Decided to press ahead with the performance even with a sore throat.
Push
(transitive) To press or urge forward; to drive.
To push an objection too far; to push one's luck
Press
To require haste or urgent action
Matters that have not stopped pressing.
Push
(transitive) To continually promote (a point of view, a product for sale, etc.).
Stop pushing the issue — I'm not interested.
They're pushing that perfume again.
There were two men hanging around the school gates today, pushing drugs.
Press
To employ urgent persuasion or entreaty
The supervisor has been pressing to get us to finish the project sooner.
Push
(intransitive) To continually exert oneself in order to achieve a goal.
Press
To iron clothes or other material.
Push
To approach; to come close to.
My old car is pushing 250,000 miles.
Press
(Sports) To raise or lift a weight in a press.
Push
(intransitive) To tense the muscles in the abdomen in order to expel its contents.
During childbirth, there are times when the obstetrician advises the woman not to push.
Press
(Basketball) To employ a press.
Push
(intransitive) To continue to attempt to persuade a person into a particular course of action.
Press
(Sports) In golf, to try to hit long or risky shots, typically with unsuccessful results.
Push
To make a higher bid at an auction.
Press
To force into service in the army or navy; impress.
Push
(poker) To make an all-in bet.
Press
To take arbitrarily or by force, especially for public use.
Push
To move (a pawn) directly forward.
Press
To use in a manner different from the usual or intended, especially in an emergency.
Push
(computing) To add (a data item) to the top of a stack.
Press
Any of various machines or devices that apply pressure
A cider press.
Push
(computing) To publish (an update, etc.) by transmitting it to other computers.
Press
A printing press.
Push
(obsolete) To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.
Press
A place or establishment where matter is printed
Sent the book's files to the press.
Push
To burst out of its pot, as a bud or shoot.
Press
A publishing company
Which press has acquired that manuscript?.
Push
(snooker) To strike the cue ball in such a way that it stays in contact with the cue and object ball at the same time (a foul shot).
Press
The communications media considered as a whole, especially the agencies that collect, publish, transmit, or broadcast news and other information to the public
Freedom of the press.
Got a job writing for the press.
Push
A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.
Give the door a hard push if it sticks.
Press
News or other information disseminated to the public in printed, broadcast, or electronic form
Kept the scandal out of the press.
Push
An act of tensing the muscles of the abdomen in order to expel its contents.
One more push and the baby will be out.
Press
The people involved in the media, as news reporters and broadcasters
Took questions from the press after her speech.
Push
A great effort (to do something).
Some details got lost in the push to get the project done.
Let's give one last push on our advertising campaign.
Press
The kind or extent of coverage a person or event receives in the media
"Like the pool hall and the tattoo parlor, the motorcycle usually gets a bad press" (R.Z. Sheppard).
Push
An attempt to persuade someone into a particular course of action.
Press
A large gathering; a crowd
Lost our friend in the press of people.
Push
(military) A marching or drill maneuver/manoeuvre performed by moving a formation (especially a company front) forward or toward the audience, usually to accompany a dramatic climax or crescendo in the music.
Press
The act of gathering in large numbers or of pushing forward
The press of the crowd broke the gates.
Push
A wager that results in no loss or gain for the bettor as a result of a tie or even score
Press
An act of pressing down or applying pressure
With the press of a button.
Push
(computing) The addition of a data item to the top of a stack.
Press
The haste or urgency of business or matters
The press of the day's events.
Push
The situation where a server sends data to a client without waiting for a request.
Server push; a push technology
Press
The set of proper creases in a garment or fabric, formed by ironing.
Push
A particular crowd or throng or people.
Press
Chiefly Scots and Irish An upright closet or case used for storing clothing, books, or other articles.
Push
(snooker) A foul shot in which the cue ball is in contact with the cue and the object ball at the same time
Press
(Sports) A lift in weightlifting in which the weight is raised to shoulder level and then steadily pushed straight overhead without movement of the legs.
Push
A pustule; a pimple.
Press
(Basketball) An aggressive defense tactic in which players guard opponents closely, often over the entire court.
Push
A pustule; a pimple.
Press
Conscription or impressment into service, especially into the army or navy.
Push
A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.
Press
(Obsolete) An official warrant for impressing men into military service.
Push
Any thrust. pressure, impulse, or force, or force applied; a shove; as, to give the ball the first push.
Press
An instance of applying pressure; an instance of pressing.
Push
An assault or attack; an effort; an attempt; hence, the time or occasion for action.
Exact reformation is not perfected at the first push.
When it comes to the push, 'tis no more than talk.
Press
(countable) A device used to apply pressure to an item.
A flower press
Push
The faculty of overcoming obstacles; aggressive energy; as, he has push, or he has no push.
Press
(countable) A printing machine.
Stop the presses!
Push
A crowd; a company or clique of associates; a gang.
Press
The print-based media (both the people and the newspapers).
According to a member of the press
This article appeared in the press.
Push
To press against with force; to drive or impel by pressure; to endeavor to drive by steady pressure, without striking; - opposed to draw.
Sidelong had pushed a mountain from his seat.
Press
(countable) A publisher.
Push
To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.
If the ox shall push a manservant or maidservant, . . . the ox shall be stoned.
Press
An enclosed storage space (e.g. closet, cupboard).
Put the cups in the press.
Put the ironing in the linen press.
Push
To press or urge forward; to drive; to push an objection too far.
Ambition pushes the soul to such actions as are apt to procure honor to the actor.
We are pushed for an answer.
Press
An exercise in which weight is forced away from the body by extension of the arms or legs.
Push
To bear hard upon; to perplex; to embarrass.
Press
An additional bet in a golf match that duplicates an existing (usually losing) wager in value, but begins even at the time of the bet.
He can even the match with a press.
Push
To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.
Press
(countable) Pure, unfermented grape juice.
I would like some Concord press with my meal tonight.
Push
To make a thrust; to shove; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.
Press
A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy.
Push
To make an advance, attack, or effort; to be energetic; as, a man must push in order to succeed.
At the time of the end shall the kind of the south push at him and the king of the north shall come against him.
War seemed asleep for nine long years; at lengthBoth sides resolved to push, we tried our strength.
Press
(obsolete) A crowd.
Push
To burst pot, as a bud or shoot.
The rider pushed on at a rapid pace.
Press
(psychology) In personology, any environmental factor that arouses a need in the individual.
Push
The act of applying force in order to move something away;
He gave the door a hard push
The pushing is good exercise
Press
(ambitransitive) To exert weight or force against, to act upon with force or weight; to exert pressure upon.
Push
The force used in pushing;
The push of the water on the walls of the tank
The thrust of the jet engines
Press
To activate a button or key by exerting a downward or forward force on it, and then releasing it.
Push
Enterprising or ambitious drive;
Europeans often laugh at American energy
Press
(transitive) To compress, squeeze.
To press fruit for the purpose of extracting the juice
Push
An electrical switch operated by pressing a button;
The elevator was operated by push buttons
The push beside the bed operated a buzzer at the desk
Press
(transitive) To clasp, hold in an embrace.
Push
An effort to advance;
The army made a push toward the sea
Press
(transitive) To reduce to a particular shape or form by pressure, especially flatten or smooth.
To press cloth with a clothes-iron
To press a hat
Push
Move with force,
He pushed the table into a corner
Press
To flatten a selected area of fabric using an iron with an up-and-down, not sliding, motion, so as to avoid disturbing adjacent areas.
Push
Press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action;
He pushed her to finish her doctorate
Press
(transitive) To drive or thrust by pressure, to force in a certain direction.
To press a crowd back
Push
Make publicity for; try to sell (a product);
The salesman is aggressively pushing the new computer model
The company is heavily advertizing their new laptops
Press
To weigh upon, oppress, trouble.
Push
Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;
She tugged for years to make a decent living
We have to push a little to make the deadline!
She is driving away at her doctoral thesis
Press
(transitive) To force to a certain end or result; to urge strongly.
Push
Press against forcefully without being able to move;
She pushed against the wall with all her strength
Press
To try to force (something upon someone).
To press the Bible on an audience
Push
Approach a certain age or speed;
She is pushing fifty
Press
(transitive) To hasten, urge onward.
To press a horse in a race
Push
Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for;
The liberal party pushed for reforms
She is crusading for women's rights
The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate
Press
(transitive) To urge, beseech, entreat.
Push
Sell or promote the sale of (illegal goods such as drugs);
The guy hanging around the school is pushing drugs
Press
(transitive) To lay stress upon.
Push
Move strenuously and with effort;
The crowd pushed forward
Press
(ambitransitive) To throng, crowd.
Push
Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;
`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman
Press
To print.
Push
To encourage or urge someone to do something.
She pushed him to apply for the job.
Press
To force into service, particularly into naval service.
Push
To move against resistance.
They pushed the car to the nearest gas station.
Press
An East Indian insectivore (Tupaia ferruginea). It is arboreal in its habits, and has a bushy tail. The fur is soft, and varies from rusty red to maroon and to brownish black.
Push
To promote or support energetically.
The company is pushing its new product line.
Press
A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy.
I have misused the king's press.
Push
To exert effort to achieve something.
She pushed herself to finish the marathon.
Press
An apparatus or machine by which any substance or body is pressed, squeezed, stamped, or shaped, or by which an impression of a body is taken; sometimes, the place or building containing a press or presses.
Press
Specifically, a printing press.
Press
The art or business of printing and publishing; hence, printed publications, taken collectively, more especially newspapers or the persons employed in writing for them; as, a free press is a blessing, a licentious press is a curse.
Press
An upright case or closet for the safe keeping of articles; as, a clothes press.
Press
The act of pressing or thronging forward.
In their throng and press to that last hold.
Press
Urgent demands of business or affairs; urgency; as, a press of engagements.
Press
A multitude of individuals crowded together; crowd of single things; a throng.
They could not come nigh unto him for the press.
Press
To force into service, particularly into naval service; to impress.
To peaceful peasant to the wars is pressed.
Press
To urge, or act upon, with force, as weight; to act upon by pushing or thrusting, in distinction from pulling; to crowd or compel by a gradual and continued exertion; to bear upon; to squeeze; to compress; as, we press the ground with the feet when we walk; we press the couch on which we repose; we press substances with the hands, fingers, or arms; we are pressed in a crowd.
Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together.
Press
To squeeze, in order to extract the juice or contents of; to squeeze out, or express, from something.
From sweet kernels pressed,She tempers dulcet creams.
And I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.
Press
To squeeze in or with suitable instruments or apparatus, in order to compact, make dense, or smooth; as, to press cotton bales, paper, etc.; to smooth by ironing; as, to press clothes.
Press
To embrace closely; to hug.
Leucothoe shook at these alarms,And pressed Palemon closer in her arms.
Press
To oppress; to bear hard upon.
Press not a falling man too far.
Press
To straiten; to distress; as, to be pressed with want or hunger.
Press
To exercise very powerful or irresistible influence upon or over; to constrain; to force; to compel.
Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
Press
To try to force (something upon some one); to urge or inculcate with earnestness or importunity; to enforce; as, to press divine truth on an audience.
He pressed a letter upon me within this hour.
Be sure to press upon him every motive.
Press
To drive with violence; to hurry; to urge on; to ply hard; as, to press a horse in a race.
The posts . . . went cut, being hastened and pressed on, by the king's commandment.
Press
To exert pressure; to bear heavily; to push, crowd, or urge with steady force.
Press
To move on with urging and crowding; to make one's way with violence or effort; to bear onward forcibly; to crowd; to throng; to encroach.
They pressed upon him for to touch him.
Press
To urge with vehemence or importunity; to exert a strong or compelling influence; as, an argument presses upon the judgment.
Press
Newspaper writers and photographers
Press
The state of urgently demanding notice or attention;
The press of business matters
Press
The gathering and publishing of news in the form of newspapers or magazines
Press
A machine used for printing
Press
A dense crowd of people
Press
A tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
Press
Clamp to prevent wooden rackets from warping when not in use
Press
Any machine that exerts pressure to form or shape or cut materials or extract liquids or compress solids
Press
A weightlift in which the barbell is lifted to shoulder height and then smoothly lifted overhead
Press
The act of pressing; the exertion of pressure;
He gave the button a press
He used pressure to stop the bleeding
At the pressing of a button
Press
Exert pressure or force to or upon;
He pressed down on the boards
Press your thumb on this spot
Press
Force or impel in an indicated direction;
I urged him to finish his studies
Press
To be oppressive or burdensome;
Weigh heavily on the mind
Something pressed on his mind
Press
Place between two surfaces and apply weight or pressure;
Pressed flowers
Press
Squeeze or press together;
She compressed her lips
The spasm contracted the muscle
Press
Crowd closely;
The crowds pressed along the street
Press
Create by pressing;
Press little holes into the soft clay
Press
Be urgent;
This is a pressing problem
Press
Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for;
The liberal party pushed for reforms
She is crusading for women's rights
The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate
Press
Press from a plastic;
Press a record
Press
Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;
`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman
Press
Lift weights;
This guy can press 300 pounds
Press
Ask for or request earnestly;
The prophet bid all people to become good persons
Press
To flatten or shape something with pressure.
He pressed the shirt with an iron to remove wrinkles.
Press
To compress or squeeze.
She pressed the dough into a flat circle.
FAQs
What does push mean?
Push means to exert force to move something forward or away.
Can you press a door open?
No, you usually push a door open.
Is pressing always gentle?
Pressing is typically gentler and more controlled compared to pushing.
Can you push a button?
Yes, but it is more common to say you press a button.
Does pressing involve a continuous action?
Yes, pressing usually involves a continuous and steady application of force.
Does pushing involve a single action?
Pushing often involves a single, abrupt action.
What does press mean?
Press means to apply force gently or steadily to something.
Is pushing always forceful?
Pushing often involves more force and is less controlled than pressing.
Is pressing used in cooking?
Yes, pressing can refer to flattening dough or shaping food.
Can you press someone for information?
Yes, pressing someone for information means urging them to provide details.
Is pushing used in sports?
Yes, pushing is often used in sports to describe moving opponents or objects.
Is pressing used in ironing clothes?
Yes, pressing is the term used when applying an iron to clothes to remove wrinkles.
Can pressing be done with a machine?
Yes, pressing can be done using machines, such as pressing clothes with an iron.
Can pressing mean urging someone?
Yes, pressing can mean urging someone to do something.
Is pushing used in promoting products?
Yes, companies push their products to increase sales.
Is pushing related to movement?
Yes, pushing typically involves moving something in a specific direction.
Can pushing mean urging someone?
Yes, pushing can also mean encouraging or urging someone to do something.
Can you push someone to succeed?
Yes, pushing someone to succeed means encouraging them strongly.
Is pressing related to compression?
Yes, pressing often involves compressing or squeezing.
Can pushing be done with machinery?
Yes, machines can be used to push objects, such as bulldozers pushing earth.
About Author
Written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
