pressure

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: {force

per unit area}]

2: a force that compels; "the public brought pressure to bear

on the government"

3: the act of pressing; "he gave the button a press"; "he used

pressure to stop the bleeding" [syn: {press}, {pressing}]

4: the state of urgently demanding notice or attention; "the

press of business matters" [syn: {imperativeness}, {insistence},

{insistency}, {press}]

5: the somatic sensation of pressure; "the sensitivity of his

skin to pressure and temperature was normal" [syn: {pressure

sensation}]

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" [syn: {coerce}, {force}]

2: exert pressure on someone through threats [syn: {blackmail},

{blackjack}]