Meaning & use

pressure

noun·Everyday

A continuous physical force exerted on an object; also, a feeling of stress caused by difficulty or demands.

See it in a sentence

The diver felt the pressure increase steadily as she descended deeper into the ocean.

He struggled under the pressure of meeting the tight deadline his boss had set.

A note on using this word

Pressure describes both a physical force, as in science, and psychological stress from expectations or demands placed on someone.

Words with a similar meaning

stressstrainforce

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To try to persuade or force someone into doing something.

His coworkers pressured him into joining the fundraising committee at the last minute.

Make it your own

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