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empresser

to hurry (towards)

verb ahn-preh-SEH Rare
Mind & Emotions Attitudes

Also means

to rush to please

Usage Note

Empresser is almost always used reflexively as s'empresser. S'empresser de faire quelque chose means 'to hasten to do something' or 'to be eager to do something'. S'empresser auprès de quelqu'un means 'to be attentive to someone', often with a slightly obsequious connotation. The related adjective empressé ('eager, attentive') describes someone who is keen to serve or impress.

Examples

"Elle s'est empressée de lui répondre."

Natural Translation

She hastened to reply to him.

Literal Translation

She hurried herself to reply to him.

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