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pressure
/ˈprɛʃ.ər/
force per unit area
The pressure in the pipe was too high, so the engineer had to fix it.
The force applied to the pipe's interior surface was excessive, requiring repair.
general
The continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
High blood pressure can damage the arteries.
Excessive force of blood against artery walls can cause harm.
The pressure of the water made the pipe burst.
The force exerted by the water on the pipe's interior caused it to break.
Often measured in units like pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
psychological
The stress or urgency of a situation or task.
She felt a lot of pressure to finish the project on time.
She experienced significant stress due to the urgent deadline.
The team worked well under pressure.
The team performed effectively despite stressful conditions.
Can be positive (motivating) or negative (overwhelming).
Engineering
technical
To apply continuous force to something.
The machine pressures the metal sheet into shape.
The machine applies force to mold the metal sheet.
Common in manufacturing and material science.
Collocations
blood pressurethe force of blood against artery wallsunder pressurein a stressful situationair pressurethe force exerted by air on a surface
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish between physical and psychological pressure
Physical pressure refers to force per unit area (e.g., 'water pressure'), while psychological pressure refers to stress or urgency (e.g., 'work pressure'). Context determines the meaning.
Gold Rule
Use 'pressure' for measurable force
When referring to a quantifiable force (e.g., in physics or engineering), 'pressure' is the correct term. Avoid using 'stress' in purely physical contexts.
Avoid overusing 'pressure' for stress
While 'pressure' can describe psychological stress, it is often more natural to use 'stress' or 'strain' in personal or emotional contexts.
Word Origin
From Latin 'pressura', meaning 'a pressing, act of pressing', from 'pressus', past participle of 'premere' (to press). Entered English in the 14th century.
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'pressure' is uncountable in most contexts (e.g., 'high pressure'). As a verb, it is transitive (e.g., 'to pressure someone'). Avoid confusing with 'stress' in psychological contexts, though they are often used interchangeably.
Word Breakdown
press-
to press or exert force
root-ure
suffix forming nouns of action or result
suffixEnglish Dictionary