press
/pɹɛs/
The word centers on the concept of physical force applied to a surface. Whether it is pushing a button, ironing a shirt, or using a printing machine, there is always an element of compression or flattening involved. When used in a social or professional context (the press), the meaning evolves from the mechanical action of a printing press to the people and institutions that produce the news. Here, it often carries a connotation of scrutiny or public accountability. In terms of movement, it suggests a persistent, forceful drive forward. Unlike 'walk' or 'run', pressing onward implies overcoming resistance or maintaining momentum against an opposing force.
Uncountable when referring to the global industry of journalism ('freedom of the press'). Countable when referring to a mechanical device like a printing machine or a weight-lifting tool ('a cider press' or 'a shoulder press').
💬Casual Conversation
I CANT GET THIS NEW STREAMING THING TO WORK. WHAT BUTTON DO I PRESS ON THE REMOTE?
Just find the 'Source' button, Grandma. Give it a firm press.
Meanings
To apply pressure to something by pushing against it.
"She pressed the button to start the engine."
To flatten or smooth clothes using a heated iron.
"He spent an hour pressing his shirts for the week."
The collective body of journalists and news organizations.
"The politician refused to answer questions from the press."
Collocations & Compounds
printing press
A machine for printing text or pictures onto paper or other material, used especially for books and newspapers.
Gutenberg is credited with inventing the printing press.
press conference
An interview or meeting given to journalists by a prominent person or organization.
The president will hold a press conference tomorrow.
press release
An official statement delivered to members of the news media for the purpose of providing information, making an announcement, or making a statement.
The company issued a press release about the new product.
press secretary
A person who is employed to communicate with the public and the press on behalf of a public figure or organization.
The press secretary fielded questions from reporters.
press corps
The body of journalists, especially those attached to a particular newspaper or agency.
The press corps followed the politician everywhere.
Phrasal Verbs
press on
To continue doing something, especially something difficult, without giving up.
Despite the setbacks, they decided to press on with the project.
press for
To try hard to get something from someone or to make them do something.
The union is pressing for a pay increase.
press out
To remove wrinkles or creases from fabric by ironing.
She spent the afternoon pressing out the clothes for the trip.
press in
To crowd around someone or something.
The fans began to press in on the singer.
press down
To apply physical force to something.
You need to press down firmly on the button to make it work.
Idioms & Sayings
press the flesh
To shake hands with many people, typically as part of a political campaign or other public event.
The candidate spent the evening pressing the flesh with voters.
press home a point
To emphasize a point strongly and repeatedly.
The lawyer continued to press home the argument about the lack of evidence.
no press is bad press
Any publicity, even if negative, is better than no publicity at all.
Some people believe that no press is bad press, so they don't mind the controversy.
press for time
To be in a hurry or have very little time available.
I can't talk now, I'm pressing for time.
Etymology
The word 'press' originates from the Latin word 'pressare', meaning 'to press, push, squeeze'. It entered English through Old French ('presser'). Initially, it referred to the physical act of applying pressure, particularly in the context of squeezing liquids from materials (like grapes for wine) or crushing things. Over time, its meaning expanded to include the act of printing, as printing involved pressing inked type onto paper. This then led to the establishment of 'the press' as a term for journalism and news media, due to the mechanical process of printing newspapers and books.