bear down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That question matters more than ever as tariffs, surging energy prices and the threat of artificial intelligence bear down on the broader economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

The Home Office said it was trying to bear down on the numbers by reducing the time asylum seekers can appeal against decisions.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2025

Ministers say that the enormous piece of legislation will target the crimes that communities want prioritised to make their areas feel safer and to bear down on behaviour that has gone unpunished.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2025

“Playoffs can get uncomfortable for some people, but I think he’s one of those guys who can focus and bear down in these moments. And he wants the moment. That’s a talent and a skill.”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 17, 2024

I bear down on the toilet in the dark—I know just where to go—and my stomach hitches again and slams up at me, and I open up and groan.

From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini