When you hear 'push' are you hearing English or Old French?

'Push' is a word borrowed from Old French 'pousser'. The word entered the English language some time around the 13th century.

push [verb] [13th century]

• to press against with force in order to drive or impel
• to move or endeavor to move away or ahead by steady pressure without striking
• to thrust forward, downward, or outward
• to cause to increase
• raise

Meaning: Move something away by applying force.

Etymology: Probably from Old French pousser; ultimately from Latin pulsare.

Origin: From Old French to English.

note: Meaning: Move something away by applying force. Etymology: Probably from Old French pousser; ultimately from Latin pulsare.

See 'push' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Old French.

See more loan words from 1200s.