1. The force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)
   "the compressed gas exerts an increased pressure";
   - pressure level, force per unit area
    
2. A force that compels
   "the public brought pressure to bear on the government"
    
3. The act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
   "he used pressure to stop the bleeding";
   - press, pressing
    
4. The pressure exerted by the atmosphere
   "Atmospheric pressure typically decreases with altitude"; "The meteorologist monitored changes in air pressure to predict the weather";
   - atmospheric pressure, air pressure
    
5. The state of demanding notice or attention
   "the pressure of their hunger";
   - imperativeness, insistence, insistency, press
    
6. The somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin
   "the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal";
   - pressure sensation
    
7. An oppressive condition of physical, mental, social or economic distress
   "The constant pressure of work and family responsibilities was taking its toll"

1. Cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
   "He pressured her for information";
   - coerce, hale [archaic], squeeze, force
    
2. Exert pressure on someone through threats
   "The mob pressured the shopkeeper into paying for 'protection'";
   - blackmail, blackjack

Derived forms: pressured, pressures, pressuring

Type of: act upon, compel, distress, force, gas pressure, influence, obligate, oblige, physical phenomenon, push, pushing, somaesthesia [Brit, Cdn], somatesthesia, somatic sensation, somesthesia [N. Amer], urgency, work

Encyclopedia: Pressure