rush

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Old English rysc; akin to Middle High German rusch rush, Lithuanian regzti to knit Date: before 12th century any of various monocotyledonous often tufted marsh plants (as of the genera Juncus and Luzula of the family Juncaceae, the rush family) with cylindrical often hollow stems which are used in bottoming chairs and plaiting mats • rushy adjective II. verb Etymology: Middle English russhen, from Anglo-French reuser, ruser, russher to drive back, repulse, from Latin recusare to oppose — more at recusant Date: 14th century intransitive verb 1. to move forward, progress, or act with haste or eagerness or without preparation 2. to advance a football by running plays <

rushed for a total of 150 yards

> transitive verb 1. to push or impel on or forward with speed, impetuosity, or violence 2. to perform in a short time or at high speed 3. to urge to an unnatural or extreme speed <

don't rush me

> 4. to run toward or against in attack ; charge 5. a. to carry (a ball) forward in a running play b. to move in quickly on (a kicker or passer) to hinder, prevent, or block a kick or pass — used especially of defensive linemen 6. a. to lavish attention on ; court b. to try to secure a pledge of membership (as in a fraternity) from III. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. a violent forward motion b. attack, onset c. a surging of emotion 2. a. a burst of activity, productivity, or speed b. a sudden insistent demand 3. a thronging of people usually to a new place in search of wealth <

a gold rush

> 4. a. the act of carrying a football during a game ; running play b. the action or an instance of rushing a passer or kicker in football <

a pass rush

> 5. a. a round of attention usually involving extensive social activity b. a drive by a fraternity or sorority to recruit new members 6. a print of a motion-picture scene processed directly after the shooting for review by the director or producer — usually used in plural 7. a. the immediate pleasurable feeling produced by a drug (as heroin or amphetamine) — called also flash b. a sudden feeling of intense pleasure or euphoria ; thrill IV. adjective Date: 1879 requiring or marked by special speed or urgency <

rush orders

> <

the rush season

> <

a rush job

>