elbowing

/ˈɛlboʊɪŋ/
noun
  1. The act of pushing or hitting someone with your elbow, often in a crowded space or during a sport.
    • There was a lot of elbowing as people tried to get to the front of the concert.
    • Elbowing is not allowed in this league because it can cause injuries.
    • The referee called a foul for excessive elbowing during the basketball game.
  2. Rough or aggressive competition to get ahead, especially in business or social situations.
    • The elbowing for the top position made the office atmosphere tense.
    • She was tired of all the elbowing in corporate politics.
    • The startup world is full of elbowing for investors' attention.
verb
  1. Present participle of elbow; to push or force one's way through a crowd using one's elbows.
    • He was elbowing his way through the packed subway car.
    • The fans were elbowing each other to get a better view of the stage.
    • She kept elbowing me accidentally while she was trying to reach her bag.
  2. To force someone out of a position or to gain an advantage by aggressive or competitive means.
    • The new manager is elbowing out the older employees to bring in his own team.
    • She spent years elbowing her way to the top of the company.
    • They are elbowing their competitors aside with lower prices.