bear down Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

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