| 1. bear down [ Synonyms: bear down on, drag down, press down on, weigh down] | |
|
Exert a force with a heavy weight
"The snow bore down on the roof";
|
|
| 2. bear down [ Synonyms: overbear] | |
|
Contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery
|
|
| 3. bear down [ Synonyms: charge] | |
|
To make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
"he saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork";
|
|
| 4. bear down | |
|
Exert full strength
"The pitcher bore down";
|
|
| 5. bear down | |
|
Pay special attention to
"The lectures bore down on the political background";
|
|
| 6. bear down | |
|
Exert a force or cause a strain upon
"This tax bears down on the lower middle class";
|
|