nudge
nudge Lexical Profile
nudge Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A light touch or gentle push, especially with the elbow, used to draw someone's attention or move something slightly.
"She gave her brother a discreet nudge under the table to stop him from interrupting."
A subtle prompt, reminder, or indirect intervention designed to encourage a particular action or decision without coercion.
"Placing healthier snacks at eye level serves as a helpful behavioral nudge for shoppers."
• verb
To prod or push gently, typically with the elbow, in order to attract attention or move something slightly.
"He nudged his friend and pointed toward the stage as the speaker arrived."
To coax, prompt, or gently encourage someone toward doing something or making a particular choice.
"The advisor tried to nudge the committee toward a more sustainable budget plan."
To approach or come very close to a specified level, figure, or state.
"Summer temperatures in the valley were nudging forty degrees Celsius by mid-afternoon."
• Rhymes for nudge
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 17th century, likely of Scandinavian origin and related to the Norwegian dialect word nugga ('to push or rub').