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  1. Accueil /
  2. Dictionnaires /
  3. English Dictionary /
  4. apply pressure

apply pressure

/əˈplaɪ ˈprɛʃər/
to exert influence or force someone to act

The manager applied pressure to meet the deadline.

The manager used influence to ensure the team completed the project on time.


Business
formalinformal

To exert influence or force on someone to act or change their behavior.

The government applied pressure on the company to improve working conditions.

The government used its authority to force the company to make changes.

Peers can apply pressure to conform to social norms.

Group members may influence others to follow their behavior.

Often used in business, politics, or social contexts to describe persuasion or coercion.

Collocations

apply pressure onto exert influence directly on someone or somethingapply pressure toto exert influence on a situation or goal

Synonyms

influencecoercepersuadeforce

Antonyms

relieveignoreneglect

Related Phrases

peer pressurephrase
social influence from a group
bear downphrasal verb
to exert intense pressure or effort

Pro Tip

Context Matters

The phrase can be neutral (e.g., 'apply pressure to a wound') or negative (e.g., 'apply pressure to someone').

Gold Rule

Avoid Misinterpretation

Clarify whether the pressure is physical or psychological in context.

Word Origin

Derived from the combination of 'apply' (to use or put into effect) and 'pressure' (force or influence).

Usage Notes

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but may carry negative connotations if implying coercion.

Word Breakdown

apply
to use or put into effect
verb
+
pressure
force or influence
noun
English Dictionary
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