shove
B2Informal, but common in everyday speech; can be considered impolite or forceful.
Definition
Meaning
To push someone or something forcefully, often in a rough or careless way.
To move something into a particular position or space by pushing; to push past someone rudely; (informal) to put something somewhere carelessly; to put pressure on someone to do something; (shove off) to leave.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of roughness, haste, or lack of care compared to neutral synonyms like 'push'. Often suggests overcoming resistance, either physical or metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Shove over' or 'shove up' (to move to make space) is slightly more common in UK informal speech. The idiom 'when push comes to shove' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently carries connotations of roughness or impatience in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent and colloquial in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] shoves [sb/sth][sb] shoves [sb/sth] + [prepositional phrase][sb] shoves [sth] + [adverb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “shove it”
- “shove off”
- “when push comes to shove”
- “shove something down someone's throat”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'They tried to shove the new policy through without consultation.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary or historical descriptions of physical action.
Everyday
Very common for describing physical pushing or metaphorical pressure: 'He shoved the box under the bed.' / 'Stop shoving!'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- She gave the stubborn drawer a good shove.
- He fell into the pool after a playful shove from his friend.
American English
- It just needs a little shove to get it started.
- The car was stuck and required a strong shove to get it moving.
verb
British English
- He shoved the last biscuit in his mouth.
- Could you shove up a bit so I can sit down?
- I'll just shove these files in the drawer.
American English
- She shoved the door open with her shoulder.
- He shoved his hands in his pockets.
- Don't shove me—wait your turn in line.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Don't shove! Wait in the queue.
- He shoved the book into his bag.
- People were shoving to get on the bus.
- She shoved the chair back and stood up angrily.
- The government is trying to shove the controversial bill through parliament.
- He rudely shoved past me without an apology.
- When push comes to shove, you can always rely on your family.
- The manager was accused of shoving unrealistic targets down the team's throat.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHOVEl - you use it to push dirt forcefully. SHOVE = forceful push.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS PHYSICAL CONFLICT ('shove your opinions down my throat'), TIME/IDEAS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE MOVED ('shove the meeting to Friday').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to 'shock' or 'shake' (e.g., 'потрясти').
- It is a specific type of 'push' (толкать) with an element of force or rudeness.
- The noun 'shove' is often best translated as 'толчок'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'shove' for gentle actions (use 'push' or 'nudge').
- Confusing 'shove' (forceful push) with 'shovel' (tool).
- Overusing in formal writing where 'push', 'insert', or 'place' would be better.
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'when push comes to shove', what does 'shove' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not a swear word, but it describes a rude or forceful action. Telling someone 'Don't shove!' is acceptable; telling someone 'Shove off!' is impolite.
'Shove' is a stronger, rougher, and often more careless or impatient kind of push. You might push a shopping trolley, but shove someone who is blocking your way.
Yes, commonly. For example, 'He gave the door a shove' means he pushed it forcefully.
Rarely. It is primarily an informal, colloquial verb. In formal contexts, synonyms like 'push', 'force', 'thrust', or 'insert' are preferred.