Origin: Latin suffix -ure
Pressure has 11 different meanings across 2 categories:
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"
the state of demanding notice or attention
"the insistence of their hunger"
"the press of business matters"
the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin
"the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal"
an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
"The constant pressure to provide for her aging parents left Sarah feeling completely drained and unable to enjoy her own life."
the pressure exerted by the atmosphere
"The hiker struggled to breathe as the sudden drop in altitude increased the atmospheric pressure around her ears."
A pressing; a force applied to a surface.
"The high pressure from the water jet peeled off the loose paint on the wall."
In plain English: Pressure is the force applied when something pushes against a surface.
"The increasing pressure from his boss made him work late every night."
Usage: Use "pressure" as a noun to describe physical force exerted on an object or the intense stress someone feels from external demands. Avoid confusing it with "tension," which refers more specifically to mental strain or tightness in materials.
To encourage or heavily exert force or influence.
"The manager applied immense pressure on the team to meet the impossible deadline before lunch."
In plain English: To pressure someone is to push them hard into doing something they don't really want to do.
"The manager pressured the team to meet the deadline."
Usage: Use pressure as a verb when you mean to strongly urge someone to do something through persistent requests or emotional appeals. Avoid using it to describe physical pushing unless the context clearly involves literal force.
The word comes from the Latin pressūra, which originally meant a pressing or squeezing action. It entered English to describe the force applied when something is pressed against another surface.