To jostle means to bump, push, or shove against someone, usually in a crowded space where many people are moving at once. Picture the hallway between classes when everyone's trying to get to their next room: students jostle each other as they squeeze past, not necessarily trying to be rude, but competing for space in a confined area.

The word captures that rough, jostling energy of crowds in motion. Passengers jostle for position when boarding a busy subway car. Shoppers jostle one another during a big sale. Basketball players jostle for position under the basket, using their bodies to claim the best spot for a rebound.

You can also use jostle more figuratively. Politicians might jostle for attention during a debate, each trying to stand out. Ideas can jostle for space in your mind when you're trying to make a difficult decision.

The word suggests more than a gentle brush: there's energy, persistence, and a bit of roughness to jostling. It's not quite fighting, but it's definitely more forceful than politely saying “excuse me.”