Downbear

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To apply strong pressure in a downward motion To actively cause something to fall or lower itself intentionally To influence or control an object by pushing it towards the ground
2. To exert force on something in a downward direction to compress or hold it ; to make an object move or fall to a lower position intentionally ; to dominate or manipulate by pushing downward with pressure
3. To push or press down heavily on a surface or item ; to prompt a reduction in height or level by applying force ; to exercise control or influence by pressing downward

Etymology: "Downbear" is a plain compound built from two English words that have been put together: "down," which goes back to Old English "dune" (from the prepositional phrase "of dune," meaning "off the hill"), and "bear," meaning to carry, press or exert weight. Its Middle English form, "dounberen," shows the pair already joined, so the sense of pressing something downward with weight came straight from the two parts. The word is rarely met today, which makes it a useful example of how English built verbs of direction by simply attaching "down" to an existing verb. The meaning stays close to the literal image of bearing weight on something from above.

Synonyms: overwhelm, crush, subdue, overpower, oppress

Antonyms: uplift, support, encourage, raise, empower