press gang

or pressgang

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noun

a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, especially in the navy or army.

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Origin of press gang

First recorded in 1685–95

Words nearby press gang

presser, presser foot, press fastener, press fit, press gallery, press gang, pressie, pressing, pressing plant, press into service, press kit

Other definitions for press gang (2 of 2)

press-gang

[ pres-gang ]

/ ˈprɛsˌgæŋ /

verb (used with object)

to force (a person) into military or naval service.

to coerce (a person) into taking a certain action, political stand, etc.: to be press-ganged into endorsing a candidate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use press gang in a sentence

Cambodia, with its seemingly free press, is also a haven for foreign journalists.
Cambodia’s Smoke-and-Mirrors Democracy|David Shaftel|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
How do you feel about Archer and the gang abandoning the cartel and returning to the office?
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISIS|Marlow Stern|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Sadly, it appears the American press often doesn't need any outside help when it comes to censoring themselves.
Politicians Only Love Journalists When They're Dead|Luke O’Neil|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
This time it would be the biggest mistake for the Western press to repeat that—absolutely the biggest mistake.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

But the most important point I want to make is about what the press does now.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Our Duty Is to Keep Charlie Hebdo Alive|Ayaan Hirsi Ali|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
If the "Y" Beach lot press their advantage they may cut off the enemy troops on the toe of the Peninsula.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
"We will go to the Hotel de l'Europe, if you press it;" and away the cabriolet joggled over the roughly paved street.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
He does well to be proud of his men and of the way they played up to-day when he called upon them to press back the enemy.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton
He was to pay one third of the amount before the book went to press, the balance he was to pay within a reasonable time.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
Here, Mr. Slocum paused to wipe his spectacles, and the wife seized the opportunity to press the question.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various

British Dictionary definitions for press gang

press gang

noun

(formerly) a detachment of men used to press civilians for service in the navy or army

verb press-gang (tr)

to force (a person) to join the navy or army by a press gang

to induce (a person) to perform a duty by forceful persuasionhis friends press-ganged him into joining the committee

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012