pressure in WordNet English dictionary

1. the pressure exerted by the atmosphere
   atmospheric pressure  air pressure  pressure 
   
2. 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"
   pressure  pressure level  force per unit area 
   
3. the state of demanding notice or attention
   "the insistence of their hunger"; "the press of business matters"
   imperativeness  insistence  insistency  press  pressure 
   
4. the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure
   "he gave the button a press"; "he used pressure to stop the bleeding"; "at the pressing of a button"
   press  pressure  pressing 
   
5. a force that compels
   "the public brought pressure to bear on the government"
   pressure 
   
6. the somatic sensation that results from applying force to an area of skin
   "the sensitivity of his skin to pressure and temperature was normal"
   pressure  pressure sensation 
   
7. an oppressive condition of physical or mental or social or economic distress
   pressure 
   

1. exert pressure on someone through threats
   blackmail  blackjack  pressure 
   
2. to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
   "He squeezed her for information"
   coerce  hale  squeeze  pressure  force