jostle
UK[ˈdʒɒs(ə)l]US[ˈdʒɑːs(ə)l]
v
to push or knock against someone in a crowd, especially in a rough way.
v
to compete for something in a forceful or aggressive manner.
Etymology
the word 'jostle' originates from the middle english term 'justlen', which meant to have sexual intercourse with or to fight, joust. this, in turn, is a frequentative form of 'justen', meaning to joust or to bring together. the root traces back to old french 'juster', 'joster' (to joust, to bring together), which is derived from vulgar latin 'iuxtare', meaning to approach, come together. this latin verb is based on 'iuxta', meaning close by, near. the semantic evolution moved from the literal sense of bringing things (or people) close together, as in a joust, to the more general and often aggressive physical contact of pushing and shoving in a crowd, and later extended metaphorically to mean competing forcefully.
Analysis
the word 'jostle' is a simplex form derived from the earlier english verb 'joust' or 'just', with the addition of the frequentative suffix '-le'.
Examples
the commuters jostle for space on the crowded train every morning.
reporters jostled to get a statement from the celebrity as she left the courthouse.
he felt someone jostle his elbow, causing him to spill his drink.