bear down on
Close in on
Bear down on means to move toward something with determination or threatening intent: The storm bore down on the coast, She watched the deadline bear down on her.
It can also mean to press hard against: Bear down on the wound to stop the bleeding.
In a related sense, to bear down is to concentrate effort or exert pressure, especially during childbirth.
Move or progress forward
- close inApproach from all sides
- convergeMeet at a point
- nearShort distance away
- descend uponArrive suddenly, often overwhelmingly
home in · zero in · loom · encroach · press forward · gain on · draw near · overtake
Apply force downward
- pushForce something away
- lean onDepend on for support
- weigh onCause persistent concern
- forceStrength or compulsion
squeeze · crush · compress · strain · burden · load · apply pressure · impose
advance
Move or progress forward
descend upon · home in · zero in · loom · encroach · press forward · gain on · draw near · overtake · pursue
press
Apply force downward
force · squeeze · crush · compress · strain · burden · load · apply pressure · impose · overwhelm
concentrate
Reduced, potent form
- apply oneselfFocus diligently on something
- dig inBegin a meal
- commitBind to a course
dedicate · redouble · persevere · grit · determination · exertion · strain · labor · toil · strive
bear down onback off
Stop pressing someone
shy away from · turn tail · beat a retreat · give ground · pull away
bear, down, bearing, bears, overbearing, unbearable, forbearance, forbear, bearing down