pressure

1. a. The act of pressing.
   b. The condition of being pressed.
2. The application of continuous force by one body on another that it is touching; compression.
3. Abbr. P Physics Force applied uniformly over a surface, measured as force per unit of area.
4. Meteorology Atmospheric pressure.
5. A compelling or constraining influence, such as a moral force, on the mind or will: pressure to conform; peer-group pressure.
6. Urgent claim or demand: under the pressure of business; doesn't work well under pressure.
7. An oppressive condition of physical, mental, social, or economic distress.
8. A physical sensation produced by compression of a part of the body.
9. Archaic A mark made by application of force or weight; an impression.

1. To force, as by overpowering influence or persuasion.
2. To pressurize.
3. To pressure-cook.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin pressūra

Origin: , from pressus

Origin: , past participle of premere, to press; see per-⁴ in Indo-European roots