þrýsta

þrýsta is an Icelandic verb meaning to press or push, and more broadly to apply force on an object or surface. It covers physical actions such as pressing or squeezing, as well as figurative uses that involve urging or prompting someone to act. In everyday language it can describe mechanical pressing, pushing apart or together, and actions that involve applying pressure to achieve a result.

Etymology and classification: the verb derives from Old Norse þrýsta and belongs to the Germanic language family. In modern Icelandic it participates in regular verb-like behavior within the language’s inflection system, forming various tenses and moods with standard endings. The term is widely attested in both spoken and written Icelandic and is used across contexts from everyday tasks to technical descriptions.

Usage notes: common constructions include að þrýsta á [something], meaning to press on or against something, such as a button or lever, or to apply pressure in a situation. It can also express figurative pressure, for example urging someone to act or to favor a particular outcome. The word forms part of a broader semantic field related to force, movement, and interaction with objects or people. As with many Icelandic verbs, context and chosen tense clarify whether the action is ongoing, completed, or hypothetical.