tsuq denotes forceful pressure, whether enemies hem people in or someone presses another into action.

The verb most often describes hostile pressure imposed by enemies, especially in siege, distress, or oppression. It also describes persistent pressure exerted on a person, including pressure through words and an inward compulsion to speak.

1. Hostile pressure in siege and oppression · dominant

   In Deuteronomy 28:53, Deuteronomy 28:55, and Deuteronomy 28:57, the Hiphil imperfect occurs in the clause about an enemy pressing people in siege and distress. Isaiah 29:2 and Isaiah 29:7 place Hiphil forms in the announced pressure on Ariel and those who press her, while Isaiah 51:13 and Jeremiah 19:9 describe an oppressor or enemies bringing destructive distress.

   Deuteronomy 28:53Deuteronomy 28:55Deuteronomy 28:57Isaiah 29:2Isaiah 29:7Jeremiah 19:9
2. Persistent personal pressure or compulsion · common

   In Judges 14:17, the Hiphil perfect follows the woman's seven days of weeping before Samson tells her the riddle; Judges 16:16 similarly places the form with pressing him by words day after day. In Job 32:18, the same perfect form is used of the spirit within compelling the speaker because he is full of words.

   Judges 14:17Judges 16:16Job 32:18

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the hostile use with “presses,” “afflict,” or “oppressor,” and the personal use with “compels,” “pressed him,” and “urged him.” These renderings indicate the clauses' overall presentation rather than a fixed English equivalent.