noun

1. a pressing or being pressed; compression; squeezing
2. a condition of distress; oppression; affliction
3. a sense impression caused by or as by compression of a part of the body
4. a compelling influence; constraining force social pressure
5. demands requiring immediate attention; urgency
6. 1. atmospheric pressure
   2. blood pressure
7. Obsolete a mark made by pressing; impression
8. Physics force per unit of area: abbrev. P

Etymology: OFr < L pressura, a pressing (LL(Ec), oppression, affliction) < pressus, pp. of premere, to press

transitive verb pressured -·sured, pressuring -·sur·ing

1. ☆ to exert pressure, or compelling influence, on
2. pressurize