pressure
PREH-shuh
Pressure (noun) means the continuous force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. Example: “Water pressure in the shower is weak because the pipes are old.”
noun
1
The continuous force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
"Water pressure in the shower is weak because the pipes are old."
"Check the tyre pressure before a long drive."
"Atmospheric pressure drops as you climb a mountain."
2
A feeling of stress caused by demands or difficult circumstances.
"Many students feel pressure to get top marks every single term."
"Working to a tight deadline puts a lot of pressure on the whole team."
"He crumbled under the pressure of the final exam."
verb
1
To try to persuade or force someone into doing something.
"Don't let your friends pressure you into buying something you can't afford."
"The salesman pressured us to sign the contract before we had read it."
"Her manager pressured her into working the weekend."
How to use pressure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe force pushing on something, or the stress of being pushed to act or perform.
Common pairings
under pressure
blood pressure
peer pressure
apply pressure
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- pressures
- Past tense
- pressured
Fill the gap
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Water _____ in the shower is weak because the pipes are old.
Etymology
From Latin pressura, "a pressing, pressure," from premere, "to press."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pressure
See all rhymes for pressure →Frequently asked questions
What does “pressure” mean?
The word “pressure” means the continuous force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. In plain terms, the force pushing on something, or the stress of being pushed to act or perform.
How do you pronounce “pressure”?
“Pressure” is pronounced PREH-shuh (/ˈpɹɛʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pressure” in a sentence?
Here is “pressure” used in a sentence: “Check the tyre pressure before a long drive.”
What part of speech is “pressure”?
Depending on how it is used, “pressure” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pressure” come from?
The word “pressure” comes from Latin. From Latin pressura, "a pressing, pressure," from premere, "to press.".
Is “pressure” a common word?
“Pressure” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pressure” have?
“Pressure” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the continuous force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
What is the difference between pressure and force?
Force is a push or pull on an object; pressure is how concentrated that force is over an area. The same force spread over a large area gives low pressure, but focused onto a small area it gives high pressure. In physics, pressure equals force divided by area.
How is pressure measured?
Pressure is measured as force per unit area, in units such as pascals (newtons per square meter), bars, or pounds per square inch (psi). A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, while manometers and pressure gauges measure it in gases and liquids.
What are the types of pressure?
Common physical types include atmospheric pressure (the weight of air above us), hydrostatic pressure (exerted by a fluid at rest), and gauge pressure (measured relative to the atmosphere). In everyday speech, pressure can also mean psychological stress or a strong demand to act.
What is an example of pressure?
A book resting on a table presses down on its surface, and the atmosphere pushes on everything around us. A drawing pin works by concentrating a small force onto a tiny point, creating very high pressure that pierces the surface. Water pressing on a dam is another example.
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