Definition of jostle

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< joss stick

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jos·tle    (jsl) KEY 

VERB:
jos·tled, jos·tling, jos·tles
VERB:
intr.

1. To come in rough contact while moving; push and shove: jostled against the others on the crowded platform.
2. To make one's way by pushing or elbowing: jostled through the guests to the bar.
3. To vie for an advantage or position.
4. To be in close proximity.
5. To pick or try to pick pockets.

VERB:
tr.

1. To come into rough contact with while moving: messengers who jostle pedestrians on the sidewalk.
2. To force by pushing or elbowing: jostled my way through the mob.
3. To vie with for an advantage or position.
4. To be in close proximity with: "Books written in all languages ... jostle each other on the shelf" (Virginia Woolf).
5. To pick or try to pick the pocket of.

NOUN:

1. A rough shove or push.
2. The condition of being crowded together.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English justilen, to have sexual relations with, frequentative of justen, to joust, from Old French juster ; see joust

OTHER FORMS:
jostler(Noun)