pressure
C2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
Continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
The feeling of stressful urgency caused by demanding circumstances or the expectations of others.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Serves as both a concrete, measurable noun (atmospheric pressure) and an abstract, psychological noun (social pressure). The verb form ('to pressure') is derived from the noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Verb forms: British usage slightly favours 'pressurise' (e.g., 'to pressurise the government'), while American usage strongly prefers 'pressure' (e.g., 'to pressure the government').
Connotations
UK usage of 'pressurise' can occasionally imply a physical, pneumatic context (e.g., pressurised cabin), but the psychological sense is dominant in both varieties.
Frequency
As a verb, 'to pressure someone' is more frequent overall in American English; 'pressurise' retains a foothold in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
pressure on sb (to do sth)pressure from sb/sthunder pressure fromput pressure onVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “put the pressure on”
- “under pressure”
- “cave under pressure”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Quarterly results put immense pressure on the CEO to cut costs.
Academic
The fluid exerts a hydrostatic pressure proportional to its depth.
Everyday
I felt so much pressure to finish the project on time.
Technical
The engineer calculated the tensile pressure the joint could withstand.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The coach was careful not to pressurise the young player before the final.
- They tried to pressurise the government into changing the policy.
American English
- The sales team pressured the client for a quick decision.
- Don't let them pressure you into signing anything.
adverb
British English
- This valve is pressure-adjusted.
- The cabin is pressure-sealed.
American English
- The cooker is pressure-tested for safety.
- It's a pressure-cooked meal.
adjective
British English
- He took a high-pressure sales job in London.
- The system is designed for low-pressure applications.
American English
- She thrives in high-pressure situations during the trial.
- It's a low-pressure environment, perfect for learning.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I feel a lot of pressure at school.
- The doctor will check your blood pressure.
- Don't put pressure on the wound.
- The pressure of his new job was overwhelming.
- Air pressure changes can cause ear pain on a plane.
- She finally agreed after we put some pressure on her.
- Mounting public pressure forced the minister to resign.
- The researchers studied the effects of peer pressure on teenagers.
- You must learn to perform under pressure.
- The geopolitical pressures in the region are intensifying.
- He argued that the decision was made under undue pressure from lobbyists.
- The cylinder must withstand extreme internal pressure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PRESS + SURE: When you are PRESSED and feeling unsure, you are under PRESSURE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'I'm being crushed by the pressure', 'relieve the pressure').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'давление' for psychological pressure in some formal contexts; 'duress' or 'stress' might be more precise.
- Do not confuse 'blood pressure' (артериальное давление) with 'tension' (напряжение).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I have a pressure from my boss.' Correct: 'I am under pressure from my boss.'
- Incorrect: 'He pressured on me.' Correct: 'He put pressure on me.' or 'He pressured me.'
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase means 'to force someone to do something'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable. It can be countable in technical contexts referring to different types or levels (e.g., 'different pressures were applied'), but 'under pressure' is always uncountable.
'Pressure' often implies external demands or expectations causing stress. 'Stress' is the resulting internal feeling of strain. You can put pressure on someone (external), which causes them stress (internal).
It is understood but is much less common than 'pressure' as a verb. 'Pressurise' is more typically used in its literal, physical sense (e.g., to pressurise an aircraft cabin) in American English.
Yes, in the plural form it refers to multiple distinct sources or types of demand (e.g., 'the financial and social pressures of modern life').