pressure: Meaning and Definition of

pres•sure

Pronunciation: (presh'ur), [key]
— n., v., -sured, -sur•ing.
—n.
  1. the exertion of force upon a surface by an object, fluid, etc., in contact with it: the pressure of earth against a wall.
  2. force per unit area. Symbol: P Cf.(def. 6).
  3. See
  4. See
  5. the state of being pressed or compressed.
  6. harassment; oppression: the pressures of daily life.
  7. a constraining or compelling force or influence: the social pressures of city life; financial pressure.
  8. urgency, as of affairs or business: He works well under pressure.
  9. that which is impressed.
—v.t.
  1. to force (someone) toward a particular end; influence: They pressured him into accepting the contract.
  2. pressurize.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
See also: