Pressure
'prɛʃər
Definitions
3 meaningsThe continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
'prɛʃər
Force exerted on a surface.
The pressure from the water pushed against the dam.
💡 Simply: Imagine squeezing a balloon. The force of your squeeze is pressure! It’s everywhere, from the air in your tires to the force your foot puts on the ground.
👶 For kids: Pressure is like when you squeeze something. It's a push or a force!
More Examples
The pilot checked the cabin pressure during the flight.
The pressure reading on the gauge was stable.
How It's Used
"The pressure inside the tire was too low."
"High blood pressure can lead to serious health problems."
The use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something.
'prɛʃər
Urgency or demands on someone.
She felt the pressure to succeed in her new job.
💡 Simply: Have you ever felt like you *had* to do something, even if you didn't really want to? Maybe your friends were pushing you, or a teacher had a deadline. That's pressure! It's when people want you to do something *now*.
👶 For kids: Pressure is when someone or something makes you feel like you have to do something.
More Examples
The team was under pressure to win the championship.
He was pressured into admitting his mistake.
How It's Used
"The manager was under a lot of pressure to meet the deadline."
"Peer pressure can influence teenagers to make certain choices."
To try to persuade or coerce someone into doing something.
'prɛʃər
Exert force or influence on.
The protestors pressured the government to change its policies.
💡 Simply: If you're really, really trying to get someone to do something, like convincing your parents to buy you ice cream, you're putting pressure on them. You're trying to get them to say 'yes!'
👶 For kids: To pressure is to try to make someone do something by asking them a lot or making them feel they have to.
More Examples
The coach pressured the team to train harder.
He was pressured into making a decision he wasn't comfortable with.
How It's Used
"The company pressured its suppliers to lower their prices."
"Activists pressured the government to change the law."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under pressure
Feeling stressed or forced to do something.
"The team felt under pressure to win the game."
From Old French *pressure*, from Latin *pressura*, from *pressus*, past participle of *premere* 'to press'.
The word 'pressure' has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to the act of pressing or squeezing. Its meaning expanded over time to include social and emotional contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a foot pressing down - that's physical pressure.
Word Origin
"to press"