peer pressure
Peer pressure (noun) means the influence that people of your own age or social group exert on you to behave, dress or think as they do. Example: “Most of the pupils admitted starting to vape because of peer pressure.”
How to Use Peer pressure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something because the people around you are doing it.
Neutral and very common, though usually negative unless marked as positive peer pressure.
Uncountable: say 'a lot of peer pressure', not 'many peer pressures'.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Most of the pupils admitted starting to vape because of _____.
Etymology
A compound of peer, meaning an equal or someone of the same age or standing, and pressure.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for peer pressure
See all rhymes for peer pressure →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between peer pressure and bullying?
Bullying is deliberate, repeated and aimed at hurting or intimidating a specific person. Peer pressure is usually indirect and often unintentional: nobody has to threaten you for the desire to fit in to change your behaviour.
What is positive peer pressure?
It is when the influence of a group pushes you towards something beneficial, such as friends who study hard, train regularly or stay off alcohol. The mechanism is identical to negative peer pressure; only the direction of the behaviour differs.
Does peer pressure only affect teenagers?
No. Teenagers are especially sensitive to it because peer approval matters more during adolescence, but adults experience it too, in workplace culture, spending habits and social drinking.