Pressure  —n. 1 a exertion of continuous force on or against a body by another in contact with it. B force exerted. C amount of this (expressed by the force on a unit area) (atmospheric pressure). 2 urgency (work under pressure). 3 affliction or difficulty (under financial pressure). 4 constraining influence (put pressure on us). —v. (-ring) (often foll. By into) apply (esp. Moral) pressure to; coerce; persuade. [latin: related to *press1]