jostle

[ jos-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, jos·tled, jos·tling.

1. to bump, push, shove, brush against, or elbow roughly or rudely.
2. to drive or force by, or as if by, pushing or shoving:

   The crowd jostled him into the subway.

3. to exist in close contact or proximity with:

   The three families jostle each other in the small house.

4. to contend with:

   rival gangs continually jostling each other.

5. to unsettle; disturb:

   The thought jostled her complacency.

6. Slang. to pick the pocket of.

verb (used without object)

, jos·tled, jos·tling.

1. to bump or brush against someone or something, as in passing or in a crowd; push or shove (often followed by with, for, or against ):

   He jostled for position.

2. to exist in close contact or proximity with someone or something.
3. to compete; contend.
4. Slang. to pick pockets.

noun

1. a shock, push, bump, or brush against someone or something.

jostle

/ ˈdʒɒsəl /

verb

1. to bump or push (someone) roughly
2. to come or bring into contact
3. to force (one's way) by pushing

noun

1. the act of jostling
2. a rough bump or push

Derived Forms

• ˈjostler, noun
• ˈjostlement, noun

Other Words From

• jostle·ment noun
• jostler noun
• un·jostled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jostle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant (in Middle English, variant spelling) of justle, equivalent to just(en) “to joust” + -le; joust

Word History and Origins

Origin of jostle¹

C14: see joust

Example Sentences

But the opposition is still a long way from defeating the junta, and China fears that if it were to collapse, even worse chaos might ensue as different armed groups jostled for power.

From BBC

It is one of the most densely populated residential areas in all of Lebanon – a place of narrow streets and alleyways, where buildings seem to jostle for available space.

From BBC

As I make my way through airport security and beyond, US and UK influences jostle for predominance.

From BBC

Earlier, dozens of their fellow accused – those not in custody - jostled beside journalists in a large queue outside the courtroom.

From BBC

“You can have a crane operator get violently stopped and jostled,” said another terminal manager.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hustle
• scramble
• shove