Meaning

• To steer away from the wind; to approach from windward.

• To push (someone) to the ground; to defeat, overcome.

• To maintain one's position against (someone) in a debate; to stand one's ground against.

• To intensify one's efforts.

  "It's 9:41, 58 degrees, and I'm flunking out. Time to bear down."

• (with on) To approach in a determined manner.

• To exert downward pressure on one's abdomen, as in giving birth, forcing out feces, and some similar bodily maneuvers.