What is "bear down"

vb. 1 (&lit bear down English) 2 (context nautical English) To approach from windward. 3 (context transitive English) To push (someone) to the ground; to defeat, overcome. (from 14th c.) 4 (context transitive obsolete English) To maintain one's position against (someone) in a debate; to stand one's ground against. (16th-17th c.) 5 (context intransitive English) To intensify one's efforts. 6 (context intransitive with ''on'' English) To approach in a determined manner.

1. v. exert a force with a heavy weight; "The snow bore down on the roof" [syn: drag down, bear down on, press down on, weigh down]

2. to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle; "he saw Jess charging at him with a pitchfork" [syn: charge]

3. contract the abdominal muscles during childbirth to ease delivery [syn: overbear]

4. exert full strength; "The pitcher bore down"

5. pay special attention to; "The lectures bore down on the political background"

6. exert a force or cause a strain upon; "This tax bears down on the lower middle class"

"Bear Down" is the official motto of the University of Arizona (U of A), located in Tucson, Arizona. It is the inspiration for "Bear Down, Arizona!," the unofficial fight song of the school's Arizona Wildcats. The official fight song is " Fight! Wildcats! Fight!" written by Douglas Holsclaw.