Jostle

Jostle is a verb meaning to push, elbow, or bump against someone, typically in a crowded or congested setting, in order to gain space or pass through. It can also mean to come into contact with someone by rough or skittish movement, or to move someone by physical force. The term can describe a literal action or a figurative pressure to obtain advantage, as in jostling for position or for attention.

As a noun, jostle refers to a rough shove or push, often brief and incidental in a crowd. A crowd may cause a person to be jostled as people push past to reach a destination, such as in a subway, queue, or stadium.

In usage, jostle often implies repeated, quick, light to moderate contact and is typically less forceful than a shove, though it can be painful, especially in tight spaces. It is commonly used to describe both physical movement and competitive behavior, such as political campaigning or market competition, where individuals or groups strive to advance by pressuring others or securing favorable footing.

Jostling can be unintended, resulting from crowded conditions, or intentional, as when someone seeks a better view or position. The term appears in daily language and journalism to depict crowd dynamics or competitive pressure.

Synonyms include shove, push, elbow, press; related phrases include jostle for position, jostle for attention, and crowding.