pressure

pres·sure / ˈpreshər/ • n. 1. the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it: the slight extra pressure he applied to her hand. ∎  the force exerted per unit area: gas can be fed to the turbines at a pressure of around 250 psi. 2. the use of persuasion, influence, or intimidation to make someone do something: the proposals put pressure on Britain to drop its demand| the many pressures on girls to worry about their looks. ∎  the influence or effect of someone or something: oil prices came under some downward pressure. ∎  the feeling of stressful urgency caused by the necessity of doing or achieving something, esp. with limited time: you need to be able to work under pressure and not get flustered | some offenders might find prison a refuge against the pressures of the outside world. • v. [tr.] attempt to persuade or coerce (someone) into doing something: it might now be possible to pressure him into resigning | [tr.] she pressured her son to accept a job offer from the bank.