jostle
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdʒɒsəl/
KK: /ˈdʒɑsəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To move or push against someone or something while trying to get through a crowd or a tight space.
Example
As the train arrived, passengers began to jostle each other to get on first.
Tense Forms
Past: jostled
Past Participle: jostled
Conversation
Did you feel everyone jostle during the concert last night?
Yes, it was so crowded, I could barely move!
I know, right? People were trying to get closer to the stage and kept bumping into me.
Exactly! It was fun, but I wish we had more space.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bump
shove
jolt
Antonyms
avoid
recede
withdraw
noun
Definition
A rough push or shove, often occurring when people are close together.
Example
There was a jostle in the crowd as everyone tried to get closer to the stage.
Conversation
Did you feel that jostle when we entered the concert hall?
Yeah, it was so crowded that we barely could move!
I know, I wasn't expecting such a big jostle at the entrance.
transitive verb
Definition
To push or bump against someone or something while moving, often in a rough or crowded situation.
Example
I had to jostle my way through the crowd to get to the front of the stage.
Tense Forms
Past: jostled
Past Participle: jostled
Conversation
Did you see how the crowd would jostle each other at the concert last night?
Yeah, it was crazy! Everyone was trying to get closer to the stage.
I almost got pushed over a few times while taking pictures.
Root Explanation
Jostle originates from Middle English 'jostlen', which is a frequentative form of 'jost', meaning to push or shove. The word is derived from the Old French 'jostler', meaning to push or strike against. Thus, 'jostle' means to push or bump against someone or something.
Memory Tip
Think of the action of 'pushing' or 'shoving' when you picture someone jostling in a crowd.
Visually Confused Words
unjostled
jose
joistless