Synonyms: bear down
Definition: exert a force or cause a strain upon
Usage: This tax bears down on the lower middle class
Similar words: charge, burden, saddle
Definition: impose a task upon, assign a responsibility to
Usage: He charged her with cleaning up all the files over the weekend
Synonyms: bear down
Definition: pay special attention to
Usage: The lectures bore down on the political background
Similar words: punctuate, accent, accentuate, stress, emphasise, emphasize
Definition: to stress, single out as important
Usage: Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
Synonyms: bear down
Definition: exert full strength
Usage: The pitcher bore down
Similar words: fight, contend, struggle
Definition: be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
Usage: the tribesmen fought each other; Siblings are always fighting; Militant groups are contending for control of the country
Definition: to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
Usage: he saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork
Similar words: rush
Definition: attack suddenly
Definition: contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery
Similar words: press, compact, compress, constrict, contract, squeeze
Definition: squeeze or press together
Usage: she compressed her lips; the spasm contracted the muscle
Synonyms: bear down, bear down on, weigh down, drag down, press down on
Definition: exert a force with a heavy weight
Usage: The snow bore down on the roof
Similar words: press
Definition: exert pressure or force to or upon
Usage: He pressed down on the boards; press your thumb on this spot