noun
peer pressure
peer PRESH-uh
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.”
noun
1
The influence that people of your own age or social group exert on you to behave, dress or think as they do.
"Most of the pupils admitted starting to vape because of peer pressure."
"She joined the running club through pure peer pressure and ended up loving it."
How to use peer pressure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something because the people around you are doing it.
When to use it
Neutral and very common, though usually negative unless marked as positive peer pressure.
Memory tip
Uncountable: say 'a lot of peer pressure', not 'many peer pressures'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
succumb to peer pressure
under peer pressure
negative peer pressure
positive peer pressure
resist peer pressure
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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
View more →Related words
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.
What is the meaning of 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.
