Phrase guide

push around

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

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see push, around.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To treat contemptuously and unfairly; to bully

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, transitive

Examples

  • 2017, Jennifer S. Holland, For These Monkeys, It’s a Fight for Survival., National Geographic (March 2017)http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/03/macaques-monkeys-indonesia-endangered-pet-trade/ Yaki have just one natural predator, the reticulated python, but they have many enemies. Land clearers are pushing the monkeys around. Roadbuilders are hemming them in. And outlaw trappers have them running for their lives.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

be bossy towards

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Her big brother always bullied her when she was young

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: strong-arm, bully, browbeat, bullyrag, ballyrag, boss around, hector

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: intimidate

Narrower terms: tyrannize, tyrannise, domineer

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.