bear against

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To approach someone or something as for an attack

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

I caught some good shots of a wolf bearing against a caribou.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To be forced to strike upon; to bang against; to wear away at (especially in theology).

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bear against” mean?

To approach someone or something as for an attack

Is “bear against” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.