pressure

  • noun 1 the continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it. 2 the use of persuasion or intimidation to make someone do something. 3 a feeling of stressful urgency. 4 the force per unit area exerted by a fluid against a surface.

  • verb attempt to persuade or coerce into doing something.

  — ORIGIN Latin pressura, from pressare ‘to press’.

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