Shove Meaning
Shove Definition & Usage
To push someone or something forcefully, often in a rough or impolite manner.
Examples
- "She shoved the door open with all her might."
- "He was shoved out of the way by a passing pedestrian."
- "The crowd shoved forward when the gates opened."
- "Stop shoving! There’s enough room for everyone."
- "I had to shove my way through the busy market."
To push something into a place quickly, often in a careless or disorganized manner.
Examples
- "He shoved the papers into his bag before running out the door."
- "She shoved the keys in her pocket, not bothering to zip it up."
- "He shoved his phone into his back pocket and rushed to the meeting."
- "I shoved the dirty dishes into the dishwasher without even looking."
- "They shoved the bags under the table, hoping no one would notice."
To force or push someone or something into a certain situation, often against their will or expectations.
Examples
- "The unexpected situation shoved me into a leadership role."
- "His decision to leave suddenly shoved her into a difficult position."
- "The crisis shoved the company into a rapid expansion phase."
- "They shoved me into making a decision without any preparation."
- "The pressure of the job shoved him into a burnout state."
Cultural Context
The word 'shove' has been in use since the Middle Ages, primarily describing a forceful push. It evokes images of crowded, tense environments such as public transport, busy markets, or even heated debates, where individuals might push their way forward or struggle for space. The word can imply both physical force and emotional pressure, making it a versatile term in everyday language.
The Subway Shove
Story
The Subway Shove
It was a typical Monday morning in the city, and Sarah was running late for work. The subway station was packed with commuters, all rushing to get on the train. As she approached the platform, she could feel the pressure of the crowd pushing against her, but she had no choice but to dive in. Her elbows were out, trying to create some space, but it was no use. The train doors opened, and with a sudden shove from behind, she was propelled forward, almost losing her balance. She let out a frustrated sigh, squeezing herself into a corner of the car. 'Excuse me, can you stop shoving?' she asked the man who had pushed her. He didn't respond. Everyone seemed to be in their own world, oblivious to the chaos they were part of. She was used to the daily scramble, but today it felt worse. Her mind wandered to her work, and the mounting pressure there. Her boss had shoved her into taking on a new project at the last minute, and now she was already behind on everything. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the train doors opened at her stop. She shoved her way out of the car and into the crowded station, ready to face another day of unexpected challenges. The daily shove of life had become routine, but today, Sarah realized, she was starting to lose her patience with it. A little peace was all she wanted, even if it meant a small victory over the chaos around her.
Related Words
