push-pull

American  

[poosh-pool] / ˈpʊʃˈpʊl /

noun

1. Radio. a two-tube symmetrical arrangement in which the grid excitation voltages are opposite in phase.

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adjective

1. of or relating to electronic devices having components with balanced signals opposite in phase.

push-pull British  

noun

1. using two similar electronic devices, such as matched valves, made to operate 180° out of phase with each other. The outputs are combined to produce a signal that replicates the input waveform

   a push-pull amplifier

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Etymology

Origin of push-pull

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

push-pull

That has kept the top rates just under 4% for several months — not out of inactivity, but because the push-pull keeps a swing from happening in either direction.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026

Yes, there’s plenty of push-pull in the areas around an aerial view of the body of water—painted in a dull green and looking quite like a giant pickle.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 23, 2026

And he pulls off this push-pull magic act for more than 300 pages.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2025

With this push-pull dynamic, Bronstein paints an honest portrait of a character whose best is never quite good enough, questioning if it’s possible to regain footing after a total loss of control.

From Salon ● Dec. 5, 2025

But with really good partners, all you need is just the push-pull suggestion.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey