bear down🔊

(down)

(nautical) To steer away from the wind; to approach from windward.

To push (someone) to the ground; to defeat, overcome.

(obsolete) To maintain one's position against (someone) in a debate; to stand one's ground against. (17th c.)

To intensify one's efforts.

(with ''on'') To approach in a determined manner.

To exert downward pressure on one's abdomen, as in giving birth, forcing out feces, and some similar bodily maneuvers.