ˈpreʃə n. & v. --n. 1 a
the exertion of
continuous force on or
against a
body by
another in
contact with it. b the force exerted. c the
amount of
this (expressed by the force on a
unit area) (atmospheric pressure). 2 urgency; the
need to meet a
deadline etc. (work
under pressure). 3
affliction or
difficulty (under
financial pressure). 4 constraining
influence (if pressure is
brought to bear). --v.tr. 1
apply (esp. moral) pressure
to. 2 a
coerce. b (often foll. by into)
persuade (was pressured
into attending). øpressure-cook
cook in a pressure-cooker. pressure-cooker an
airtight pan
for cooking quickly under
steam pressure. pressure
gauge a gauge
showing the pressure of steam etc. pressure
group a group or
association formed to
promote a
particular interest or
cause by influencing
public policy. pressure
point 1 a point
where an
artery can be pressed against a
bone to
inhibit bleeding. 2 a point on the
skin sensitive to pressure. 3 a
target for
political pressure or influence. pressure
suit an
inflatable suit for
flying at a
high altitude. [ME f. L pressura (as PRESS(1))]
