bear down

verb

1. to press or weigh down
2. to approach in a determined or threatening manner
3. (of a vessel) to make an approach (to another vessel, obstacle, etc) from windward
4. (of a woman during childbirth) to exert a voluntary muscular pressure to assist delivery

Example Sentences

When the rains of racism descend, and its floods bear down, the house will fall.

From The Daily Beast

But it is the rarest of occasions when legislators or journalists bear down on the experts.

From The Daily Beast

History will bear down on her as it did on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.

From The Daily Beast

Longstreet's plan was to attack with all the vigor possible,—to (p. 282) bear down all opposition in the outset.

From Project Gutenberg

Signal was made to bear down on the enemy in two lines, and all sail was set, the Victory leading.

From Project Gutenberg

Signal was made to bear down upon the enemy in two lines; and the fleet set all sail.

From Project Gutenberg

Animating his followers by his voice, and his own example, Hawkeye then gave the word to bear down upon their foes.

From Project Gutenberg

The great will inclosed in his little body seemed to bear down hard upon her so as really to hurt.

From Project Gutenberg