Phrase guide

bear down on

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To approach someone in a very determined way.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I could see the headmaster bearing down on me, and looked hopelessly round for a means of escape.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

exert a force with a heavy weight

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The snow bore down on the roof

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: drag down, bear down, press down on, weigh down

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: press

3

verb

Meaning 3

sail towards another vessel, of a ship

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: bear down upon

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: approach, near, come on, go up, draw near, draw close, come near

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.