cross press: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “cross press” mean?
To press something across its surface or from one side to another, often with a specific direction or pattern.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To press something across its surface or from one side to another, often with a specific direction or pattern.
In fitness or physiotherapy, a specific exercise involving pressing a weight across the body's midline; in manufacturing, to apply pressure in a crossing or intersecting manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is consistent in technical fields. The exercise name 'cross press' or 'cross-body press' may be more common in US fitness jargon.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. In fitness, it implies a targeted, controlled movement.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; slightly higher in US fitness contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “cross press” in a Sentence
[Subject] cross-presses [Object] (e.g., He cross-presses the dumbbell).[Subject] performs a cross press (with/using [Instrument]).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cross press” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The physio advised him to cross press the light dumbbell to rehabilitate the muscle.
- The machine is designed to cross press the two components together.
American English
- Cross press the dumbbell slowly to engage the pectorals.
- The fabric is cross-pressed to create a permanent crease.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in manufacturing: 'The machine applies a cross press to seal the unit.'
Academic
Rare, in sports science or engineering papers describing specific force applications.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Primary domain. In fitness manuals or physiotherapy instructions for shoulder/chest exercises.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cross press”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cross press”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cross press”
- Using it as a general term for any press. Confusing it with 'cross-pressure' (a political/social term). Writing it as one word ('crosspress') without established convention.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized term used primarily in fitness, physiotherapy, and some technical manufacturing contexts.
It is most commonly and correctly written as two separate words ('cross press') or with a hyphen when used as a compound modifier before a noun ('cross-press exercise').
A bench press typically involves pressing a weight vertically upwards from the chest. A cross press involves pressing a weight horizontally across the body's midline, often while standing or lying at an angle.
Yes, the activity or instance of doing it is 'a cross press' (e.g., 'Do three sets of ten cross presses').
To press something across its surface or from one side to another, often with a specific direction or pattern.
Cross press is usually technical/specialized in register.
Cross press: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkrɒs ˈpres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkrɔːs ˈpres/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a big 'X' (a cross) painted on a weight. You press the weight along the lines of the X, from one corner to the opposite one.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSING IS DIRECTING FORCE + CROSSING IS INTERSECTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cross press' MOST likely to be used?