push-up

[ poosh-uhp ]

noun

1. an exercise in which a person, keeping a prone position with the hands palms down under the shoulders, the balls of the feet on the ground, and the back straight, pushes the body up and lets it down by an alternate straightening and bending of the arms.

adjective

1. (of a brassiere) having padding and usually underwires in the lower part of the cups so as to raise the breasts and make them seem fuller.
2. (of a sleeve) made to be pushed up the arm, away from the wrist or elbow, so as to create a puffed or creased fullness.

push-up

noun

1. an exercise in which the body is alternately raised from and lowered to the floor by the arms only, the trunk being kept straight with the toes and hands resting on the floor Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)press-up

Word History and Origins

Origin of push-up¹

First recorded in 1905–10; noun use of verb phrase push up

Example Sentences

An increase in energy bills helped push up the UK inflation rate, which measures price changes over time, to 2.3% in the year to October, up from 1.7% in September.

From BBC

Ministers also argue the exemptions have tempted rich folk to buy up farm land – pushing up its value – primarily to avoid inheritance tax.

From BBC

At the same time, Green noted, deportations could also push up rent and home prices because many undocumented immigrants work in construction building the homes that are needed to improve affordability.

From Los Angeles Times

It comes amid growing backlash from business owners who warn rises in employers' national insurance contributions and the National Living Wage will push up costs for business which employ lots of low-wage workers.

From BBC

Companies including Blackrock, Fidelity and GrayScale, have also been buying up Bitcoins in their thousands, pushing up its value to record highs.

From BBC

Related Words

• climb
• grow
• lift
• move up
• push up
• rocket
• soar
• surge