Pushing is the act of exerting force upon another person or object in order to move them. One might push an inanimate object, such as a large piece of furniture, in an attempt to reposition it, or one might push another object or person to forcibly move said thing out of the way of something else. In this sense, one might push a small child out of the way of impending danger, such as an oncoming vehicle.

One might also push their way forward through a crowd of people at a concert so as to get closer to the stage. Typically, a push is not viewed as a polite gesture in most social contexts, so it may be accompanied by an apology if no disrespect is intended or if the push is accidental.

Pushing, as a physical action, has been an essential part of human activity since the dawn of time. In its simplest form, pushing allowed early humans to move objects, clear paths, and manipulate their environment to build shelters and tools. It played a crucial role in survival, enabling the construction of early dwellings and the development of agriculture through the pushing of plows and other farming implements. In ancient and medieval warfare, pushing techniques were vital in combat and siege warfare. The concept of pushing extends beyond the literal, as it has also been a metaphorical force driving human innovation, exploration, and advancement, symbolizing the persistent human effort to overcome obstacles and shape the world.

In the future, the action of pushing objects or others is expected to evolve with technological advancements. Robotics and automation could take over many tasks that currently require physical pushing, particularly in industrial and logistical settings. This shift would reduce human labor and increase efficiency in areas like manufacturing and warehousing. Exoskeleton suits and similar assistive devices might be used more widely, enhancing human strength for pushing heavy objects, benefiting sectors like construction and healthcare.

In sports and fitness, innovative equipment and training techniques could offer new ways to utilize pushing movements, optimizing performance and safety. Despite these changes, the fundamental act of pushing, a symbol of effort and progress, is likely to remain an integral part of human activity and metaphorical expression.