bear down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That question matters more than ever as tariffs, surging energy prices and the threat of artificial intelligence bear down on the broader economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

He added the government has "done a lot to bear down" on small boats and there is "lots we need to do on irregular migration".

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

New reporting requirements for digital platforms came into effect on 1 January 2024 with the government saying they would help it "bear down on tax evasion".

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

“Just hold on,“ snipes a young actor with whom she has a run-in, feeling that weight bear down on him.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

Harry saw Cedric’s wand fly out of his hand as a gigantic spider stepped into the path and began to bear down upon Cedric.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling