What does "pressure" mean?
A pressing; a force applied to a surface.
Pressure
/ˈpɹɛʃə(ɹ)/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A pressing; a force applied to a surface.
- Grammar: pressure is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: press, a lot of stress, abetment, act of forcing.
- Useful contrasts: given space, allow, calm.
- Usage evidence: The bridge crashed under the pressure.
How to use "pressure"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "pressure" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "pressure" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "pressure" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "pressure" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "pressure" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "press" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "pressure", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A pressing; a force applied to a surface. countable, uncountable
"Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding."
- 2 the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure wordnet
- 3 A contrasting force or impulse of any kind. countable, uncountable
"the pressure of poverty; the pressure of taxes; the pressure of motives on the mind; the pressure of civilization."
- 4 a force that compels wordnet
- 5 Distress. countable, uncountable
"She has felt pressure lately because her boss expects her to get the job done by the first."
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin wordnet
- 7 Urgency. countable, uncountable
"the pressure of business"
- 8 the pressure exerted by the atmosphere wordnet
- 9 Impression; stamp; character impressed. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"All saws of books, all forms, all pressures past."
- 10 the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit) wordnet
- 11 The amount of force that is applied over a given area divided by the size of this area; force per unit area. countable, uncountable
- 12 the state of demanding notice or attention wordnet
- 13 an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress wordnet
Verb
- 1 To encourage or heavily exert force or influence. transitive
"Do not let anyone pressure you into buying something you do not want."
- 2 to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means wordnet
- 3 exert pressure on someone through threats wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The bridge crashed under the pressure."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "pressure"?
Common synonyms include: press, a lot of stress, abetment, act of forcing, adverse circumstances, adversity.
How do you use "pressure" in a sentence?
The bridge crashed under the pressure.
How do you pronounce "pressure"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɛʃə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
From Latin pressūra.