bench-press
UK[ˈbentʃˌpres]US[ˈbentʃˌpres]
v
To lift a weight, typically a barbell, while lying on a bench, by pushing it upwards from the chest.
n
An exercise in which a person lies on a bench and pushes a weight upwards from the chest, or a machine used for this exercise.
Morpheme Breakdown
bench
press
bench
noun
press
verb
Etymology
The term 'bench-press' is a transparent modern compound from the world of weightlifting and physical training. It logically combines 'bench', the flat, sturdy surface on which the athlete lies, with 'press', the action of exerting force to lift the weight upwards. The word 'press' has a long lineage, tracing back to the Latin premere, meaning to squeeze or exert steady force, which perfectly describes the motion of pushing a barbell away from the body. As a compound, 'bench-press' efficiently names the exercise by its two most defining characteristics: the equipment used and the primary movement performed, creating a clear and descriptive term in fitness vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: bench (noun) + press (verb)
- bench: From Old English benc, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch bank and German Bank. In this compound, it functions as a noun specifying the piece of equipment used.
- press: From Old French presser, from Latin pressare, a frequentative of premere 'to press'. In this compound, it functions as a verb describing the core action of the exercise.
Examples
He can bench-press over 300 pounds.
The bench-press is a fundamental exercise for building upper body strength.
She added three sets of bench-presses to her workout routine.