pressure Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)
    pressure level; force per unit area.
    • the compressed gas exerts an increased pressure
  2. noun a force that compels
    • the public brought pressure to bear on the government
  3. noun the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
    press; pressing.
    • he gave the button a press
    • he used pressure to stop the bleeding
    • at the pressing of a button
  4. noun the state of demanding notice or attention
    press; insistency; imperativeness; insistence.
    • the insistence of their hunger
    • the press of business matters
  5. noun the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin
    pressure sensation.
    • the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal
  6. noun an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
  7. noun the pressure exerted by the atmosphere
    air pressure; atmospheric pressure.
  8. verb to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
    coerce; force; squeeze; hale.
    • He squeezed her for information
  9. verb exert pressure on someone through threats
    blackmail; blackjack.

WordNet

Pres"sure noun
Etymology
OF., fr. L. pressura, fr. premere. See 4th Press.
Definitions
  1. The act of pressing, or the condition of being pressed; compression; a squeezing; a crushing; as, a pressure of the hand.
  2. A contrasting force or impulse of any kind; as, the pressure of poverty; the pressure of taxes; the pressure of motives on the mind; the pressure of civilization.
    Where the pressure of danger was not felt. Macaulay.
  3. Affliction; distress; grievance.
    My people's pressures are grievous. Eikon Basilike.
    In the midst of his great troubles and pressures. Atterbury.
  4. Urgency; as, the pressure of business.
  5. Impression; stamp; character impressed.
    All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past. Shak.
  6. (Mech.) The action of a force against some obstacle or opposing force; a force in the nature of a thrust, distributed over a surface, often estimated with reference to the upon a unit's area.

Webster 1913