bear down

verb

1. to press or weigh down

2. to approach in a determined or threatening manner

3. (of a vessel) to make an approach (to another vessel, obstacle, etc) from windward

4. (of a woman during childbirth) to exert a voluntary muscular pressure to assist delivery

Idioms and Phrases

Press or weigh down on someone or something. For example, This pen doesn't write unless you bear down hard on it . [Late 1600s]

Try hard, intensify one's efforts, as in If you'll just bear down, you'll pass the test .

Move forward in a pressing or threatening way, as in The ferry bore down on our little skiff . This usage was originally nautical. [Early 1700s]

Example Sentences

Because of all the broad, shadeless streets that define many of South L.A.’s neighborhoods, the hot summer sun seems to bear down more intensely on these communities of color too.

From Los Angeles Times

Mbeumo too worked hard and had it not been for the exceptional pace of USA international Antonee Robinson would have been bearing down on the Fulham goal in the latter stages of the game.

From BBC

“He’s bearing down, and he’s not trying to give at-bats away,” Roberts said.

From Los Angeles Times

Weather warnings have been upgraded to amber for most of Scotland as Storm Floris bears down on the UK.

From BBC

With human-bear encounters on the rise, some rural areas want more leeway to hunt bears down.

From Los Angeles Times