Pressure Meaning and Definition
Pressure
Pronunciation
/ˈprɛʃər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A force that is applied to an object, body, or material that is opposed to its natural tendency or state of rest, often expressed as a ratio of force to area.
Examples
- The pressure from the crowd made it difficult to breathe.
- The engineer calculated the pressure of the hydraulics system.
Synonyms
- Force
- Tension
Antonyms
- Relaxation
- Release
Etymology
The word “pressure” originates from the Old French word “prespour,” meaning “to press,” and the Latin word “pressura,” meaning “a pressing or squeezing force.”
Usage Notes
When referring to physical force or tension, use “pressure” instead of “stress.”
Cultural References
Pressure has been referenced in various forms of media, such as songs like “The Pressure” by Coldplay and movies like “The Pressure Cooker” (2016).
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Under pressure” – feeling stressed or anxious
- “Pressure cooker” – a situation or environment that is intense or stressful
Related Words or Phrases
- Force
- Stress
- Force
Collocations
- High pressure
- Low pressure
- Pressure cooker
Frequency of Use
Pressure is a commonly used term in various contexts, including physics, engineering, and everyday language.
Common Misspellings
- Perssure
- Presure