Push vs. Thrust — What's the Difference?

To apply pressure against (something), especially for the purpose of moving it

Thrust is a reaction force described quantitatively by Newton's third law. When a system expels or accelerates mass in one direction, the accelerated mass will cause a force of equal magnitude but opposite direction to be applied to that system.

To move (something) by exerting force against it; thrust or shove

To push or drive quickly and forcefully

To exert downward pressure on (a button or keyboard, for example); press.

To cause to project or extend

To force (one's way)

To force into a specified condition or situation

To urge forward or urge insistently; pressure

To force or impose on an unwilling or improper recipient

To extend or enlarge

(Archaic) To stab; pierce.

(Informal) To approach in age

To shove something into or at something else

(Informal) To promote or sell (a product)

To grow or extend upwards

(Slang) To sell (a narcotic) illegally

To force one's way; press forward

(Sports) To hit (a ball) in the direction toward the dominant hand of the player propelling it, as to the right of a right-handed player.

A forceful shove or push

To exert pressure or force against something

A lunge or stab.

To advance despite difficulty or opposition; press forward

A driving force or pressure.

To advocate or recommend something insistently

The forward-directed force developed in a jet or rocket engine as a reaction to the high-velocity rearward ejection of exhaust gases.

To expend great or vigorous effort

Outward or lateral stress in a structure, as that exerted by an arch or vault.

The act of pushing; a thrust

The essential meaning; the point

The act of pressing

The central purpose or objective

A vigorous or insistent effort toward an end; a drive

A forceful movement, especially an advance or attack by an armed force.

A provocation to action; a stimulus

(fencing) An attack made by moving the sword parallel to its length and landing with the point.

(Informal) Persevering energy; enterprise

A push, stab, or lunge forward (the act thereof.)

To apply a force to (an object) such that it moves away from the person or thing applying the force.

The force generated by propulsion, as in a jet engine.

(transitive) To continually attempt to persuade (a person) into a particular course of action.

(figuratively) The primary effort; the goal.

(transitive) To press or urge forward; to drive.

(intransitive) To make advance with force.

(transitive) To continually promote (a point of view, a product for sale, etc.).

(transitive) To force something upon someone.

(intransitive) To continually exert oneself in order to achieve a goal.

(transitive) To push out or extend rapidly or powerfully.

To approach; to come close to.

(transitive) To push or drive with force; to shove.

(intransitive) To tense the muscles in the abdomen in order to expel its contents.

(intransitive) To enter by pushing; to squeeze in.

(intransitive) To continue to attempt to persuade a person into a particular course of action.

To stab; to pierce; usually with through.

To make a higher bid at an auction.

Thrist.

(poker) To make an all-in bet.

A violent push or driving, as with a pointed weapon moved in the direction of its length, or with the hand or foot, or with any instrument; a stab; - a word much used as a term of fencing.

To move (a pawn) directly forward.

An attack; an assault.

(computing) To add (a data item) to the top of a stack.

The force or pressure of one part of a construction against other parts; especially (Arch.), a horizontal or diagonal outward pressure, as of an arch against its abutments, or of rafters against the wall which support them.

(computing) To publish (an update, etc.) by transmitting it to other computers.

The breaking down of the roof of a gallery under its superincumbent weight.

(obsolete) To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.

To push or drive with force; to drive, force, or impel; to shove; as, to thrust anything with the hand or foot, or with an instrument.

To burst out of its pot, as a bud or shoot.

To stab; to pierce; - usually with through.

(snooker) To strike the cue ball in such a way that it stays in contact with the cue and object ball at the same time (a foul shot).

To make a push; to attack with a pointed weapon; as, a fencer thrusts at his antagonist.

A short, directed application of force; an act of pushing.

To enter by pushing; to squeeze in.

An act of tensing the muscles of the abdomen in order to expel its contents.

To push forward; to come with force; to press on; to intrude.

A great effort (to do something).

The force used in pushing;

An attempt to persuade someone into a particular course of action.

A thrusting blow with a knife or other sharp pointed instrument;

(military) A marching or drill maneuver/manoeuvre performed by moving a formation (especially a company front) forward or toward the audience, usually to accompany a dramatic climax or crescendo in the music.

The act of applying force to propel something;

A wager that results in no loss or gain for the bettor as a result of a tie or even score

Verbal criticism;

(computing) The addition of a data item to the top of a stack.

A sharp hand gesture (resembling a blow);

The situation where a server sends data to a client without waiting for a request.

Push forcefully;

A particular crowd or throng or people.

Press or force;

(snooker) A foul shot in which the cue ball is in contact with the cue and the object ball at the same time

Make a thrusting forward movement

A pustule; a pimple.

Impose or thrust urgently, importunately, or inexorably;

A pustule; a pimple.

Penetrate or cut through with a sharp instrument

A thrust with a pointed instrument, or with the end of a thing.

Geology: thrust (molten rock) into pre-existing rock

Any thrust. pressure, impulse, or force, or force applied; a shove; as, to give the ball the first push.

Push upward;

An assault or attack; an effort; an attempt; hence, the time or occasion for action.

Place or put with great energy;

The faculty of overcoming obstacles; aggressive energy; as, he has push, or he has no push.

A crowd; a company or clique of associates; a gang.

To press against with force; to drive or impel by pressure; to endeavor to drive by steady pressure, without striking; - opposed to draw.

To thrust the points of the horns against; to gore.

To press or urge forward; to drive; to push an objection too far.

To bear hard upon; to perplex; to embarrass.

To importune; to press with solicitation; to tease.

To make a thrust; to shove; as, to push with the horns or with a sword.

To make an advance, attack, or effort; to be energetic; as, a man must push in order to succeed.

To burst pot, as a bud or shoot.

The act of applying force in order to move something away;

The force used in pushing;

Enterprising or ambitious drive;

An electrical switch operated by pressing a button;

An effort to advance;

Move with force,

Press, drive, or impel (someone) to action or completion of an action;

Make publicity for; try to sell (a product);

Strive and make an effort to reach a goal;

Press against forcefully without being able to move;

Approach a certain age or speed;

Exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for;

Sell or promote the sale of (illegal goods such as drugs);

Move strenuously and with effort;

Make strenuous pushing movements during birth to expel the baby;