Push vs. Press — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
Push involves applying force to move an object away, while press often denotes exerting steady force against something.
Difference Between Push and Press
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pushing is a general term that refers to the act of applying force to an object to move it away from oneself. This action can be performed with various parts of the body, such as hands or feet, and does not necessarily require direct contact with the object, as seen in cases where tools or devices are used to extend the reach or increase the force of the push. Pressing, however, implies a more specific action of exerting steady force against something, often with the intention of moving it into a specific position or shape, or to operate a mechanism. Pressing involves a deliberate and often controlled application of force, and is commonly used in contexts such as weightlifting (e.g., bench press), machinery operation, or in the digital world, such as pressing a button.
While both pushing and pressing are actions that involve applying force to an object, pushing is more about moving an object away, whereas pressing is more about exerting force against an object, often for a specific purpose or result. For instance, you push a door to open it and move through, but you press a button to activate a device.
In physical activities and exercises, the distinction becomes more pronounced. Push exercises generally involve moving the body away from an object or the ground, such as push-ups, where the body is lifted away from the floor. Press exercises, on the other hand, involve lifting or moving weights away from the body by exerting force directly against them, such as in a shoulder press or bench press.
The terms push and press can sometimes be used interchangeably in casual conversation, particularly when the precise nature of the force application is not critical to the context. However, in technical or specific contexts, such as in mechanics, physical training, and digital interfaces, the distinction between the two is more carefully observed.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Applying force to move an object away.
Exerting steady force against something.
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Application
Can be broad, including moving or shoving away.
More specific, often for a precise action.
Force Direction
Away from the body or the force origin.
Against an object, often towards the body or down.
Contexts
General movement, sports, everyday actions.
Machinery, weightlifting, digital interfaces.
Required Control
Can vary from gentle to forceful.
Often requires controlled, steady force.
Compare with Definitions
Push
To apply force to move something away.
She pushed the door open.
Press
To exert steady force against something.
Pressing a stamp onto ink.
Push
Used in various contexts from physical to metaphorical.
Pushing someone to their limits.
Press
Implies a level of precision or control.
Press the dough into a flat shape.
Push
Involves moving objects without holding.
Pushing a car that's broken down.
Press
Can indicate applying force in a specific direction.
Pressing down on a lever.
Push
Does not necessarily involve direct contact.
Pushing the limit in a metaphorical sense.
Press
Often used in specific actions like machines.
Pressing a button to start.
Push
Can be done with any part of the body.
Pushing a button with your elbow.
Press
Associated with weightlifting movements.
Bench press or shoulder press.
Push
To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it
Pushed the door but couldn't budge it.
Press
To exert steady weight or force against
An indentation where the rock pressed the ground.
Push
To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove
Pushed the crate aside.
Press
To move by applying pressure
Press a piano key.
Press one's face into a pillow.
Push
To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.
Press
To squeeze or clasp in fondness or concern
Pressed her hand before leaving.
Push
To force (one's way)
We pushed our way through the crowd.
Press
To squeeze the juice or other contents from
Press lemons.
Push
To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure
Pushed him to study harder.
Press
To extract (juice, for example) by squeezing or compressing.
Push
To extend or enlarge
Pushed sales into the millions.
Press
To reshape or make compact by applying steady force; compress
Pressed the clay in a mold.
Push
(Informal) To approach in age
Is pushing 40 and still hasn't settled down.
Press
To iron (clothing, for example).
Push
(Informal) To promote or sell (a product)
The author pushed her latest book by making appearances in bookstores.
Press
To make (a sound recording), originally by pressing (a vinyl phonograph record) under pressure in a mold.
Push
(Slang) To sell (a narcotic) illegally
Push drugs.
Press
To bear down on or attack
The army pressed the rebels for months.
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 carry on or advance vigorously (an attack, for instance).
Push
To exert pressure or force against something
Winds pushing against the sail.
Press
To place in trying or distressing circumstances
Are you pressed for money?.
Push
To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward
The regiment pushed toward the front line.
Press
To insist upon or put forward insistently
Press a claim.
Press an argument.
Push
To advocate or recommend something insistently
Pushed for a change in leadership.
Press
To try to influence or persuade, as by insistent arguments; pressure or entreat
He pressed her for a reply.
Push
To expend great or vigorous effort
Pushed to finish his paper by the deadline.
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 pushing; a thrust
Gave the door a push.
Press
(Sports) To lift (a weight) to a position above the head without moving the legs.
Push
The act of pressing
With a push of the button.
Press
To exert force or pressure
Felt the backpack pressing on her shoulders.
Push
A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive
A push to reform health care.
Press
To be worrisome or depressing; weigh heavily
Guilt pressed upon his conscience.
Push
A provocation to action; a stimulus
Has artistic talent but needs a push to get started.
Press
To advance eagerly; move forward urgently
We pressed through the crowd to get to the bus.
Push
(Informal) Persevering energy; enterprise
Doesn't have the push to get the job done.
Press
To assemble closely and in large numbers; crowd
Fans pressed around the movie star.
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 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 continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
Press
To require haste or urgent action
Matters that have not stopped pressing.
Push
(transitive) To press or urge forward; to drive.
To push an objection too far; to push one's luck
Press
To employ urgent persuasion or entreaty
The supervisor has been pressing to get us to finish the project sooner.
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 iron clothes or other material.
Push
(intransitive) To continually exert oneself in order to achieve a goal.
Press
(Sports) To raise or lift a weight in a press.
Push
To approach; to come close to.
My old car is pushing 250,000 miles.
Press
(Basketball) To employ 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
(Sports) In golf, to try to hit long or risky shots, typically with unsuccessful results.
Push
(intransitive) To continue to attempt to persuade a person into a particular course of action.
Press
To force into service in the army or navy; impress.
Push
To make a higher bid at an auction.
Press
To take arbitrarily or by force, especially for public use.
Push
(poker) To make an all-in bet.
Press
To use in a manner different from the usual or intended, especially in an emergency.
Push
To move (a pawn) directly forward.
Press
Any of various machines or devices that apply pressure
A cider press.
Push
(computing) To add (a data item) to the top of a stack.
Press
A printing press.
Push
(computing) To publish (an update, etc.) by transmitting it to other computers.
Press
A place or establishment where matter is printed
Sent the book's files to the press.
Push
(obsolete) To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.
Press
A publishing company
Which press has acquired that manuscript?.
Push
To burst out of its pot, as a bud or shoot.
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
(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
News or other information disseminated to the public in printed, broadcast, or electronic form
Kept the scandal out of the press.
Push
A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.
Give the door a hard push if it sticks.
Press
The people involved in the media, as news reporters and broadcasters
Took questions from the press after her speech.
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 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
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
A large gathering; a crowd
Lost our friend in the press of people.
Push
An attempt to persuade someone into a particular course of action.
Press
The act of gathering in large numbers or of pushing forward
The press of the crowd broke the gates.
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
An act of pressing down or applying pressure
With the press of a button.
Push
A wager that results in no loss or gain for the bettor as a result of a tie or even score
Press
The haste or urgency of business or matters
The press of the day's events.
Push
(computing) The addition of a data item to the top of a stack.
Press
The set of proper creases in a garment or fabric, formed by ironing.
Push
The situation where a server sends data to a client without waiting for a request.
Server push; a push technology
Press
Chiefly Scots and Irish An upright closet or case used for storing clothing, books, or other articles.
Push
A particular crowd or throng or people.
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
(snooker) A foul shot in which the cue ball is in contact with the cue and the object ball at the same time
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 pustule; a pimple.
Press
(Obsolete) An official warrant for impressing men into military service.
Push
A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.
Press
An instance of applying pressure; an instance of pressing.
Push
Any thrust. pressure, impulse, or force, or force applied; a shove; as, to give the ball the first push.
Press
(countable) A device used to apply pressure to an item.
A flower press
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 printing machine.
Stop the presses!
Push
The faculty of overcoming obstacles; aggressive energy; as, he has push, or he has no push.
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
A crowd; a company or clique of associates; a gang.
Press
(countable) A publisher.
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
An enclosed storage space (e.g. closet, cupboard).
Put the cups in the press.
Put the ironing in the linen press.
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 exercise in which weight is forced away from the body by extension of the arms or legs.
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 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 bear hard upon; to perplex; to embarrass.
Press
(countable) Pure, unfermented grape juice.
I would like some Concord press with my meal tonight.
Push
To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.
Press
A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy.
Push
To make a thrust; to shove; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.
Press
(obsolete) A crowd.
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
(psychology) In personology, any environmental factor that arouses a need in the individual.
Push
To burst pot, as a bud or shoot.
The rider pushed on at a rapid pace.
Press
(ambitransitive) To exert weight or force against, to act upon with force or weight; to exert pressure upon.
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
To activate a button or key by exerting a downward or forward force on it, and then releasing it.
Push
The force used in pushing;
The push of the water on the walls of the tank
The thrust of the jet engines
Press
(transitive) To compress, squeeze.
To press fruit for the purpose of extracting the juice
Push
Enterprising or ambitious drive;
Europeans often laugh at American energy
Press
(transitive) To clasp, hold in an embrace.
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 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
An effort to advance;
The army made a push toward the sea
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
Move with force,
He pushed the table into a corner
Press
(transitive) To drive or thrust by pressure, to force in a certain direction.
To press a crowd back
Push
Press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action;
He pushed her to finish her doctorate
Press
To weigh upon, oppress, trouble.
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
(transitive) To force to a certain end or result; to urge strongly.
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
To try to force (something upon someone).
To press the Bible on an audience
Push
Press against forcefully without being able to move;
She pushed against the wall with all her strength
Press
(transitive) To hasten, urge onward.
To press a horse in a race
Push
Approach a certain age or speed;
She is pushing fifty
Press
(transitive) To urge, beseech, entreat.
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 lay stress upon.
Push
Sell or promote the sale of (illegal goods such as drugs);
The guy hanging around the school is pushing drugs
Press
(ambitransitive) To throng, crowd.
Push
Move strenuously and with effort;
The crowd pushed forward
Press
To print.
Push
Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;
`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman
Press
To force into service, particularly into naval service.
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.
Press
A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy.
I have misused the king's press.
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
Common Curiosities
Can press be used in a non-physical context?
Yes, such as pressing a point in an argument, meaning to emphasize or argue persistently.
What’s an example of pressing in a non-physical sense?
Pressing an issue or concern in a conversation, meaning to insist or emphasize on its importance.
Is pressing always against resistance?
Typically, yes, pressing involves overcoming resistance, either from a physical object or a mechanism’s tension.
Is the difference between push and press important in machinery?
Yes, as it can denote different functions or actions, such as pressing a pedal vs. pushing a lever.
Is pushing always a physical action?
Primarily, yes, but it can also be used metaphorically, like pushing for a cause.
How is pressing a button different from pushing it?
Pressing implies a deliberate and controlled action, whereas pushing is more general.
Are all push and press exercises in fitness related?
They can be related but target different movements and muscle groups, focusing on the direction and manner of force application.
Is there a psychological aspect to pushing or pressing?
Metaphorically, yes, such as pushing oneself to the limit or pressing on despite challenges.
What does it mean to push someone?
To apply force to move them away from oneself or the origin of the force.
Can pressing involve upward movements?
Yes, such as in overhead press exercises, where the force is applied upward against weights.
How do buttons work differently in push vs. press mechanisms?
It depends on the mechanism’s design; pressing may require sustained force, while pushing could be a brief action.
Can pushing be gentle?
Yes, pushing can range from a gentle nudge to a forceful shove.
Do you need to touch something to push it?
Generally, yes, though tools or mechanisms can extend the force applied without direct contact.
Why is control important in pressing exercises?
It ensures the force is applied effectively and safely, targeting specific muscles or mechanisms.
Can you push and press simultaneously?
In some contexts, yes, such as in exercises where you push away from the body while pressing against resistance.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
