rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynudgeGentle push
noun / verb

nudge

NUJ/nʌdʒ/

To push gently.

She nudges the man's upper arm with her elbow.

A woman lightly nudges the upper arm of the man beside her with her elbow to draw his attention; both remain relaxed and upright.
Etymology

Nudge originally meant a slight push with the elbow; such a covert touch could give a hint or signal, leading to subtle encouragement. Its origin is uncertain, perhaps Scandinavian, with parallels meaning 'jostle' or 'rub.'

In context

Kansas City PBS69:24
One of my biggest regrets was not asking for help sooner. And luckily I had some strong people in my life to kind of nudge me in the right direction.
The Hidden Pandemic

More examples

  • The dog nudges my hand with his nose.
  • I nudged the cup away from the table's edge.
  • The door opens with a gentle nudge.

Forms

nudge · nudges · nudged · nudging

Similar words

push
Covers forceful pressure as well as gentle movement.
prod
Suggests a more pointed push, often to prompt movement.