Push vs. Pull: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Push involves applying force away from oneself, while pull involves applying force towards oneself.
Key Differences
Push refers to the action of exerting force on an object to move it away from the pusher, often requiring physical or metaphorical strength. In contrast, pull involves drawing or dragging something towards oneself or a specific direction, necessitating a different type of force application.
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Dec 01, 2023
In a push action, the force is directed outward, implying a movement that distances the object from the source of force. Conversely, pull signifies a motion where the object moves closer, indicating an inward-directed force.
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Dec 01, 2023
Push is often associated with proactive or aggressive actions, symbolizing an outward effort to change or move something. Pull, however, tends to be seen as a more reactive or strategic action, denoting a drawing in or gathering towards oneself.
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Dec 01, 2023
In mechanical terms, push causes a dispersion or extension, as seen in springs or levers being pushed. On the other hand, pull leads to a contraction or gathering, evident in operations like pulling a rope or drawing curtains.
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Dec 01, 2023
In communication, a push approach involves sending information outwards, often unsolicited, like advertising. In contrast, a pull strategy entails attracting or drawing in, such as when consumers actively seek out information or products.
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Dec 01, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Direction of Force
Force applied outward from the pusher.
Force applied inward towards the puller.
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Dec 01, 2023
Mechanical Action
Causes dispersion or extension.
Causes contraction or gathering.
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Dec 01, 2023
Communication Style
Sending information out (e.g., advertising).
Attracting information in (e.g., market research).
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Dec 01, 2023
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Push and Pull Definitions
Push
To exert force on something to move it away.
She had to push the door open.
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Dec 01, 2023
Pull
To attract or draw someone or something.
The magnet can pull iron objects towards it.
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Dec 01, 2023
Push
To press on something in order to operate it.
Push the button to start the machine.
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Dec 01, 2023
Pull
To influence or persuade someone subtly.
They tried to pull strings to get the contract.
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Dec 01, 2023
Push
To compel or urge someone to do something.
He pushed his team to work harder.
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Push
To promote or advocate strongly.
The senator pushed for new environmental laws.
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Dec 01, 2023
Pull
To apply force to (something) so as to cause or tend to cause motion toward the source of the force
Pulled her chair up to the table.
Pulled the wagon down the street.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it
Pushed the door but couldn't budge it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove
Pushed the crate aside.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure
Pushed him to study harder.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(Informal) To approach in age
Is pushing 40 and still hasn't settled down.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Slang) To draw out (a weapon) in readiness for use
Pull a gun.
Pulled a knife on me.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(Informal) To promote or sell (a product)
The author pushed her latest book by making appearances in bookstores.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Informal) To remove
Pulled the car's engine.
Pulled the tainted meat product from the stores.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Sports) To hit (a ball) so that it moves in the direction away from the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the left of a right-handed player.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To exert pressure or force against something
Winds pushing against the sail.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward
The regiment pushed toward the front line.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To advocate or recommend something insistently
Pushed for a change in leadership.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To expend great or vigorous effort
Pushed to finish his paper by the deadline.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To exert force in moving something toward the source of the force
Pull harder and the window will open.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To move in a certain direction or toward a certain goal
Pulled into the driveway.
Pulled even with the race leader.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive
A push to reform health care.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To gain a position closer to an objective
Our team has pulled within three points of the league leader.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
A provocation to action; a stimulus
Has artistic talent but needs a push to get started.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To drink or inhale deeply
Pulled on the cold beer with gusto.
Pull on a cigarette.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(Informal) Persevering energy; enterprise
Doesn't have the push to get the job done.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Informal) To express or feel great sympathy or empathy
We're pulling for our new president.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(transitive) To continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(transitive) To press or urge forward; to drive.
To push an objection too far; to push one's luck
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Force exerted in pulling or required to overcome resistance in pulling
How much pull does this tugboat have?.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(intransitive) To continually exert oneself in order to achieve a goal.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Slang) A means of gaining special advantage; influence
The lobbyist has pull with the senator.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(intransitive) To continue to attempt to persuade a person into a particular course of action.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(Informal) The ability to draw or attract; appeal
A star with pull at the box office.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To apply a force to (an object) so that it comes toward the person or thing applying the force.
When I give the signal, pull the rope.
You're going to have to pull harder to get that cork out of the bottle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward oneself; to pluck.
To pull fruit from a tree
Pull flax
Pull a finch
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To persuade (someone) to have sex with one.
I pulled at the club last night.
He's pulled that bird over there.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(computing) To publish (an update, etc.) by transmitting it to other computers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(transitive) To remove (something), especially from public circulation or availability.
Each day, they pulled the old bread and set out fresh loaves.
The book was due to be released today, but it was pulled at the last minute over legal concerns.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(transitive) To retrieve or generate for use.
I'll have to pull a part number for that.
This computer file is incorrect. Can we pull the old version from your backups?
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(construction) To obtain (a permit) from a regulatory authority.
It's the contractor's responsibility to pull the necessary permits before starting work.
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Oct 19, 2023
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).
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To do or perform.
He regularly pulls 12-hour days, sometimes 14.
You'll be sent home if you pull another stunt like that.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.
Give the door a hard push if it sticks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(with 'a' and the name of a person, place, event, etc.) To copy or emulate the actions or behaviour that is associated with the person or thing mentioned.
He pulled an Elvis and got really fat.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To toss a frisbee with the intention of launching the disc across the length of a field.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To achieve by rowing on a rowing machine.
I pulled a personal best on the erg yesterday.
It had been a sort of race hitherto, and the rowers, with set teeth and compressed lips, had pulled stroke for stroke.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
A wager that results in no loss or gain for the bettor as a result of a tie or even score
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To draw (a hostile non-player character) into combat, or toward or away from some location or target.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
The situation where a server sends data to a client without waiting for a request.
Server push; a push technology
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(UK) To score a certain number of points in a sport.
How many points did you pull today, Albert?
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(horse-racing) To hold back, and so prevent from winning.
The favourite was pulled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
(snooker) A foul shot in which the cue ball is in contact with the cue and the object ball at the same time
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To take or make (a proof or impression); so called because hand presses were worked by pulling a lever.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(UK) To draw beer from a pump, keg, or other source.
Let's stop at Finnigan's. The barman pulls a good pint.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Any thrust. pressure, impulse, or force, or force applied; a shove; as, to give the ball the first push.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
The faculty of overcoming obstacles; aggressive energy; as, he has push, or he has no push.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(sports) Command used by a target shooter to request that the target be released/launched.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
An act of pulling applying force toward oneself.
He gave the hair a sharp pull and it came out.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
An attractive force which causes motion towards the source.
The spaceship came under the pull of the gas giant.
Iron fillings drawn by the pull of a magnet
She took a pull on her cigarette.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
An advantage over somebody; a means of influencing.
The hypnotist exerted a pull over his patients.
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Any device meant to be pulled, as a lever, knob, handle, or rope.
A zipper pull
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Pull
Something in one's favour in a comparison or a contest.
In weights the favourite had the pull.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To make a thrust; to shove; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
The situation where a client sends out a request for data from a server, as in server pull, pull technology
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Oct 19, 2023
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.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
The act of applying force in order to move something away;
He gave the door a hard push
The pushing is good exercise
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
The force used in pushing;
The push of the water on the walls of the tank
The thrust of the jet engines
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Enterprising or ambitious drive;
Europeans often laugh at American energy
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(cricket) A type of stroke by which a leg ball is sent to the off side, or an off ball to the on side; a pull shot.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
(golf) A mishit shot which travels in a straight line and (for a right-handed player) left of the intended path.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action;
He pushed her to finish her doctorate
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To draw, or attempt to draw, toward one; to draw forcibly.
Ne'er pull your hat upon your brows.
He put forth his hand . . . and pulled her in.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To draw apart; to tear; to rend.
He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; he hath made me desolate.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To gather with the hand, or by drawing toward one; to pluck; as, to pull fruit; to pull flax; to pull a finch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Press against forcefully without being able to move;
She pushed against the wall with all her strength
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To move or operate by the motion of drawing towards one; as, to pull a bell; to pull an oar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To hold back, and so prevent from winning; as, the favorite was pulled.
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Oct 19, 2023
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
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To take or make, as a proof or impression; - hand presses being worked by pulling a lever.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Sell or promote the sale of (illegal goods such as drugs);
The guy hanging around the school is pushing drugs
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To exert one's self in an act or motion of drawing or hauling; to tug; as, to pull at a rope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
The act of pulling or drawing with force; an effort to move something by drawing toward one.
I awakened with a violent pull upon the ring which was fastened at the top of my box.
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;
`Now push hard,' said the doctor to the woman
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Oct 19, 2023
Push
To extend or expand something further.
The company is pushing its boundaries into new markets.
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Dec 01, 2023
Pull
A pluck; loss or violence suffered.
Two pulls at once;His lady banished, and a limb lopped off.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
A knob, handle, or lever, etc., by which anything is pulled; as, a drawer pull; a bell pull.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Something in one's favor in a comparison or a contest; an advantage; means of influencing; as, in weights the favorite had the pull.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
A kind of stroke by which a leg ball is sent to the off side, or an off ball to the side.
The pull is not a legitimate stroke, but bad cricket.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
The act of pulling; applying force to move something toward or with you;
The pull up the hill had him breathing harder
His strenuous pulling strained his back
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Special advantage or influence;
The chairman's nephew has a lot of pull
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
A device used for pulling something;
He grabbed the pull and opened the drawer
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
A sharp strain on muscles or ligaments;
The wrench to his knee occurred as he fell
He was sidelined with a hamstring pull
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
A slow inhalation (as of tobacco smoke);
He took a puff on his pipe
He took a drag on his cigarette and expelled the smoke slowly
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes;
Her good looks attract the stares of many men
The ad pulled in many potential customers
This pianist pulls huge crowds
The store owner was happy that the ad drew in many new customers
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Apply force so as to cause motion towards the source of the motion;
Pull the rope
Pull the handle towards you
Pull the string gently
Pull the trigger of the gun
Pull your kneees towards your chin
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Perform an act, usually with a negative connotation;
Perpetrate a crime
Pull a bank robbery
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Bring, take, or pull out of a container or from under a cover;
Draw a weapon
Pull out a gun
The mugger pulled a knife on his victim
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Steer into a certain direction;
Pull one's horse to a stand
Pull the car over
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Strain abnormally;
I pulled a muscle in my leg when I jumped up
The athlete pulled a tendon in the competition
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Cause to move in a certain direction by exerting a force upon, either physically or in an abstract sense;
A declining dollar pulled down the export figures for the last quarter
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Tear or be torn violently;
The curtain ripped from top to bottom
Pull the cooked chicken into strips
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Hit in the direction that the player is facing when carrying through the swing;
Pull the ball
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Draw or pull out, usually with some force or effort; also used in an abstract sense;
Pull weeds
Extract a bad tooth
Take out a splinter
Extract information from the telegram
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
Take sides with; align oneself with; show strong sympathy for;
We all rooted for the home team
I'm pulling for the underdog
Are you siding with the defender of the title?
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Oct 19, 2023
Pull
To exert force on something to bring it towards oneself.
She had to pull the drawer to open it.
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Dec 01, 2023
Pull
To withdraw something from a place or position.
He pulled his hand away quickly.
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Dec 01, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can 'push' be used metaphorically?
Yes, 'push' can be used metaphorically to mean promoting or urging something.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is 'pull' always physical?
No, 'pull' can also be metaphorical, like the pull of a compelling story.
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Dec 01, 2023
What's an example of a 'pull strategy' in marketing?
SEO is an example of a 'pull strategy' where businesses attract customers who are seeking specific products or information.
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Dec 01, 2023
What does 'pull up' mean in exercise?
A 'pull up' is an upper body exercise where you pull yourself up on a bar.
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Dec 01, 2023
What does 'push' mean in physics?
In physics, 'push' means applying force to an object to move it away from the source of force.
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Dec 01, 2023
How do push and pull affect motion?
Push and pull are forces that cause an object to move away or towards the force source.
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Dec 01, 2023
What is 'push technology'?
'Push technology' is a communication method where information is automatically sent to users.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can 'push' relate to personal development?
Yes, 'push' can relate to pushing oneself to achieve personal goals.
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Dec 01, 2023
What is a 'pull factor'?
A 'pull factor' is a condition that attracts people to a new area, like job opportunities.
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Dec 01, 2023
Does 'pull' have a technical meaning in computing?
In computing, 'pull' refers to retrieving data or updates from a server.
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Dec 01, 2023
What's the difference in usage between 'push' and 'pull' in a sentence?
'Push' usually indicates moving something away, while 'pull' means drawing something closer.
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Dec 01, 2023
Are there cultural differences in the use of 'push' and 'pull'?
Yes, cultural nuances can affect how 'push' and 'pull' are perceived and used.
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Dec 01, 2023
What does 'pull together' mean?
'Pull together' means to work collectively towards a common goal.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can 'push' imply pressure in a relationship?
Yes, 'push' can imply exerting pressure or demanding change in a relationship.
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Dec 01, 2023
How is 'push' used in fitness?
In fitness, 'push' refers to exercises that move resistance away from the body.
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Dec 01, 2023
What does it mean to 'push the envelope'?
To 'push the envelope' means to extend the limits of what is possible.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is 'pull' used in economics?
Yes, 'pull' in economics can refer to demand-pull inflation, where demand for goods increases prices.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can 'push' be a noun?
Yes, 'push' can be a noun, indicating an effort or attempt to achieve something.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does 'push' relate to business strategies?
In business, 'push' strategies involve promoting products directly to customers.
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Dec 01, 2023
What does 'pull a muscle' mean?
To 'pull a muscle' means to strain or injure a muscle through stretching or exertion.
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Dec 01, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
