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| pres·sure [ préshər ] |
noun (plural pres·sures) |
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| Definition: |
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1. process of pressing steadily: the applying of a firm regular weight or force against somebody or something
  The pressure of her hand on his was comforting.
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2. constant state of worry and urgency: powerful and stressful demands on somebody's time, attention, and energy, or a demand of this sort
They were under constant pressure to achieve increased output targets.
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3. force that pushes or urges: something that affects thoughts and behavior in a powerful way, usually in the form of several outside influences working together persuasively
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4. physics force per unit area: the force acting on a surface divided by the area over which it acts.
Symbol p
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5. meteorology
Same as atmospheric pressure
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transitive verb (past and past participle pres·sured, present participle pres·sur·ing, 3rd person present singular pres·sures) |
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| Definition: |
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make somebody do something: to apply great persuasion or a strong influence on somebody in order to force him or her to do something
They were pressured into selling by the rest of the family.
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| [14th century. < Latin pressura< press- (see press1)] |
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| pres·sure·less adjective |
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