bear down meaning and definition

BEAR DOWN verb

Definition of bear down (verb)

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