Phrase guide

push someone's buttons

verb · 1 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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1

verb

Meaning 1

To do specific things to anger someone (or, less commonly, to sexually arouse or otherwise elicit a strong reaction from them), especially intentionally or maliciously.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: trigger, get on someone's nerves
  • You really knew how to push my buttons.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: trigger, get on someone's nerves

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: taper sur le système — Translations
  • Polish: prowokować — Translations
  • Polish: sprowokować — Translations
  • Spanish: buscarle las cosquillas — Translations
  • Spanish: mojar la oreja — Translations