To press something or someone down to keep it from moving; to hold or pin down.
風で飛ばされないように本で紙を押さえた。
I held the papers down with a book so they wouldn't blow away.
倒れそうな棚を押さえて手伝った。
I helped by holding the shelf that was about to fall.
彼は興奮した犬の口をやさしく押さえた。
He gently held the excited dog's mouth closed.
To cover or press a part of the body with the hand or something (e.g., to hold a painful part).
胸が苦しいときは手で胸を押さえて深呼吸してください。
If your chest feels tight, hold your chest with your hand and take deep breaths.
けがをしたら出血を押さえることが大切だ。
When injured, it's important to stop the bleeding by applying pressure.
To obtain or secure something (or to seize/capture); to catch or arrest someone.
人気の限定商品を押さえておいた。
I reserved the limited popular item (ensured I could get it).
警察は容疑者を押さえて取り調べを始めた。
The police apprehended the suspect and began questioning him.
To grasp or comprehend a point or key idea; to get the essence of something.
問題のポイントを押さえてから答えを書きなさい。
Make sure you understand the key points of the problem before writing your answer.
会議で重要な点を押さえて説明した。
I explained after covering the important points in the meeting.
To suppress or restrain emotions, forces, or spread; to check or contain something.
コストを押さえるために経費を見直した。
We reviewed expenses to keep costs down.
彼は怒りを押さえて冷静に話した。
He held back his anger and spoke calmly.