Dictionary
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. Physics.force per unit area.
Symbol: P Cf.
stress (def. 6).
3. Meteorol.See
atmospheric pressure.
4. Elect.See
electromotive force.
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. Obs.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.