pressure

¹pres·sure

noun \ˈpre-shər\

Definition of PRESSURE

1

a : the burden of physical or mental distress b : the constraint of circumstance : the weight of social or economic imposition

2

: the application of force to something by something else in direct contact with it : compression

3

archaic : impression, stamp

4

a : the action of a force against an opposing force b : the force or thrust exerted over a surface divided by its area c : electromotive force

5

: the stress or urgency of matters demanding attention : exigency <people who work well under pressure>

6

: the force of selection that results from one or more agents and tends to reduce a population of organisms <population pressure> <predation pressure>

7

: the pressure exerted in every direction by the weight of the atmosphere

8

: a sensation aroused by moderate compression of a body part or surface

— pres·sure·less adjective

Examples of PRESSURE

1. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.
2. the pressure of the compressed air inside the chamber
3. The animal's jaws can exert a pressure of more than 750 pounds per square inch.
4. The horse will respond to the slightest pressure of a rider's knee.
5. The fruit yields to gentle pressure when it's ripe.
6. the normal air pressure at sea level
7. He gave in to the social pressures to act and dress like everybody else.
8. She felt a constant pressure to earn more money.

Origin of PRESSURE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pressura, from Latin, action of pressing, pressure, from pressus, past participle of premere

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PRESSURE

Synonyms: stress, strain, tension

Related Words: load, weight; anxiety, concern, uneasiness, worry; aggravation, anger, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, persecution, trouble

Near Antonyms: comfort, consolation

see all synonyms and antonyms

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