verb

empujar

push

Hacer fuerza sobre algo o alguien para moverlo hacia adelante o en otra dirección.

Definition & meaning

The primary meaning of empujar is to apply pressure or force against an object or person in order to move them away from oneself or to move them forward. It is the action of pushing, such as when opening a door that does not pull inward or when moving a piece of furniture across a room.

Beyond physical force, the word also has a figurative meaning. It can mean to urge, pressure, or encourage someone to take a certain action or to make a decision. In this context, it is similar to the English concept of "giving someone a push" to help them start something or overcome hesitation.

Additionally, in some contexts, it can refer to the act of shoving or jostling, particularly in a crowd or during a physical confrontation.

Grammar & Word origin

Empujar is a regular verb ending in -ar. It follows the standard conjugation patterns for first-conjugation verbs in Spanish.

The word originates from the Vulgar Latin impulsare, which is the frequentative form of the Latin verb impellere. The root is composed of the prefix in- (into or against) and the verb pellere (to drive or to strike). This Latin root is also the source of English words like "impulse," "impel," and "pulse."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

presionar: To apply pressure, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
arrollar: To push over or run over, often implying a greater or more violent force.
incitar: Used for the figurative meaning of pushing or goading someone into action.
impulsar: To propel or give momentum to something.

Antonyms:

tirar: To pull; the direct physical opposite of pushing.
jalar: To pull or tug (commonly used in Latin America).
atraer: To attract or draw something closer.
detener: To stop or hold back, which is the opposite of providing the force to move something forward.