Pressure - Definition

n 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" [syn: 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 gave the
button a press"; "he used pressure to stop the bleeding"; "at
the pressing of a button" [syn: press, pressure,
pressing]
4: the state of demanding notice or attention; "the insistence
of their hunger"; "the press of business matters" [syn:
imperativeness, insistence, insistency, press,
pressure]
5: the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an
area of skin; "the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and
temperature was normal" [syn: pressure, pressure
sensation]
6: an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or
economic distress
7: the pressure exerted by the atmosphere [syn: atmospheric
pressure, air pressure, pressure]
v 1: to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical,
moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job
in the city"; "He squeezed her for information" [syn:
coerce, hale, squeeze, pressure, force]
2: exert pressure on someone through threats [syn: blackmail,
blackjack, pressure]