# pressure

/ˈpɹɛʃɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈɛʃɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pressure
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical force

noun · CEFR B1

the force produced when you press or push against something.

For teachers: the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.

- Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- The structural integrity of the hull was tested by the immense water pressure encountered during the deep-sea expedition.

### 2. mental stress

noun · CEFR B1

the feeling of stress or worry because you have too much to deal with.

For teachers: the psychological strain or urgency resulting from external demands or expectations.

- She is under a lot of pressure at work to finish the project by Friday.
- The constant pressure to perform at an elite level can lead to burnout among young professional athletes.

### 3. scientific measurement

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the amount of force in a specific area, like in the air or a pipe.

For teachers: the force exerted per unit area, typically measured in pascals or bars.

- The doctor checked my blood pressure to make sure my heart was healthy.
- A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure usually indicates that a storm is approaching the coast.

Usage: Often used with 'atmospheric' or 'blood'.

### 4. to persuade strongly

verb · CEFR B2

to try to make someone do something by using arguments or threats.

For teachers: to exert influence or strong persuasion on someone to act in a specific way.

- Don't let your friends pressure you into doing something you don't want to do.
- The lobbyists attempted to pressure the senator into voting against the new environmental regulations.

Usage: Often takes an object followed by 'into' and a gerund.

## Examples

- Apply pressure to the cut to stop the bleeding.
- The manager put a lot of pressure on the team to finish the software update before the weekend.
- As the deadline approached, the immense pressure to deliver a flawless presentation began to fracture the team's previously cooperative dynamic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.