Definition
To push something or someone away from you using force.
Example
Ele empurrou a porta e entrou no quarto.
Show translation
He pushed the door and entered the room.
Etymology
From Old Portuguese *empurrar*, derived from the prefix *em-* (into, onto) + *puxar* (to pull), with a semantic inversion in meaning over time. Cognates exist in Spanish (*empujar*) and share the Latin root *pulsare* (to beat, push), from *pellere* (to drive, strike).
Cultural note
In Brazil, doors are commonly labeled **puxe** (pull) or **empurre** (push) — learning this pair together is a practical win for any traveller. The verbs *empurrar* and *puxar* are also used figuratively: *empurrar uma tarefa* means to push off or procrastinate a task, and *empurrar algo para alguém* can mean to foist something unwanted onto someone.