bear down bear down /bɛr daʊn/

verb

1. () Exert a force with a heavy weight  ( bear down on , drag down , weigh down , bear down , press down on )
   exert a force with a heavy weight
    The snow bore down on the roof
   The snow bore down on the roof
   
2. Exert a force or cause a strain upon  ( bear down )
   exert a force or cause a strain upon
    This tax bears down on the lower middle class
   This tax bears down on the lower middle class
   
3. Pay special attention to  ( bear down )
   pay special attention to
    The lectures bore down on the political background
   The lectures bore down on the political background
   
4. (baseball) exert full strength  ( bear down )
   (baseball) exert full strength
    The pitcher bore down
   The pitcher bore down
   
5. To make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle  ( bear down , charge )
   to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle
    He saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork
   he saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork
   
6. Contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery  ( bear down , overbear )
   contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery