bear down
[verb]
Synonyms: conquer, beat down, crush, defeat, overpower, reduce, subdue, subjugate, vanquish

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

bear down phrasal verb (see also bear)

1. bear down on somebody/something
a) to move quickly towards a person or place in a threatening way:
a storm bearing down on the island
b) to behave in a threatening or controlling way towards a person or group:
Federal regulators have been bearing down on campaign contributors.

2. to use all your strength and effort to push or press down on something

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

bear down
bear down (on (someone/something))
1.
to use all your effort to do something.
Our students will have to bear down if they want to pass their exams.

2.
to push or press on something.
When washing your car, try not to bear down too hard or you'll take off the paint.

3.
to move toward someone or something in a threatening way.
Another storm is bearing down on northern California.

The car gathered speed and bore down on him, so he jumped into the ditch.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

bear down
v.
1. To press or push harder; work hard at; give full strength and attention.
She is bearing down in her studies to win a scholarship.
The baseball pitcher is bearing down.
The pitcher bore down on the star batter.
Teachers of the deaf bear down on English.
The sergeant bears down on lazy soldiers.
Antonym: LET UP(2b).
2. To move toward in an impressive or threatening way.
■ Often used with "on".
While he was crossing the street a big truck bore down on him.
The little ship tried to escape when the big pirate ship bore down.
After the boys threw the snowballs they saw a large lady bearing down upon them from across the street.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲