pressure meaning and definition

PRESSURE noun

Definition of pressure (noun)

1. the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)
   • "the compressed gas exerts an increased pressure"
   • synonyms: force per unit area, pressure level
2. a force that compels
   • "the public brought pressure to bear on the government"
3. the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
   • "he gave the button a press"; "he used pressure to stop the bleeding"; "at the pressing of a button"
   • synonyms: press, pressing
4. the state of demanding notice or attention
   • "the insistence of their hunger"; "the press of business matters"
   • synonyms: imperativeness, insistence, insistency, press
5. the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin
   • "the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal"
   • synonyms: pressure sensation
6. an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
7. the pressure exerted by the atmosphere
   • synonyms: air pressure, atmospheric pressure

PRESSURE verb

Definition of pressure (verb)

1. to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
   • "She forced him to take a job in the city"; "He squeezed her for information"
   • synonyms: coerce, force, hale, squeeze
2. exert pressure on someone through threats
   • synonyms: blackjack, blackmail