bring on

British  

verb

1. to induce or cause

   these pills will bring on labour

2. slang to cause sexual excitement in; stimulate

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bring on Idioms  

1. Cause to happen, produce, as in His cold brought on an asthma attack . This usage was first recorded in John Milton's Samson Agonistes (1671): “These evils . . . I myself have brought them on.” Also see bring about .

2. Cause to appear or bring into action, as in Bring on the jugglers . [Mid-1800s]

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Usage

The second sense of this word was formerly considered to be taboo, and it was labelled as such in previous editions of Collins English Dictionary . However, it has now become acceptable in speech, although some older or more conservative people may object to its use

Example Sentences

One of the most calming things you can bring on a road trip is the bedding your dog regularly uses at home, says Dr. Sunny House, a veterinarian at Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic in Arlington, Va.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

He said he felt the “weight that this is going to bring on our family.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

He went on to say the company instead could bring on someone with a strong AI background to focus on its growth in that area.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

“That wouldn’t mean prices fall back, but that would bring on somewhat of a leveling off of prices.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

“If the strike succeeds,” he proclaimed, “it might and probably would be the beginning of an upheaval which might bring on all of us grave and serious consequences.”

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler