pressure point

noun

1

a

: an area on the body sensitive to pressure: such as

(1)

: a discrete point on the body that when pressed causes pain

The technique involves using pressure points along the jaw to cause pain and induce temporary paralysis of the jaw.

—Margaret Harding

(2)

: a point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes

… an ancient Chinese art and science that uses pressure points in the feet and hands to relax and revitalize the entire body.

—Vogue

b

: a point on the body where a blood vessel (such as the femoral artery) can be compressed against an underlying bone to slow blood flow and control bleeding

… begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets.

—Shakava Andres

c

: a region of the body where a static position tends to cause circulatory deficiency and the development of bedsores

Pressure points of the human body when lying down in bed receive poor blood circulation, which causes the sore.

—Mike Cote

2

: a sensitive critical issue or matter that can be exploited for one's advantage

political pressure points

Examples of pressure point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the context of local politics, Akufo-Addo faces difficult choices and competing pressure points. —David McKenzie, CNN, 14 Mar. 2024

Dentistry is another pressure point, with industry leaders blaming issues with a contract between the NHS and dental practices for pushing dentists away from public practice. —Katherine Hignett, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

So there's just a lot of different pressure points here, and Iran seems to be behind a lot of them. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2024

The Daylite Plus Pack is fitted with contoured shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, and a removable hip belt that keeps weight close to the body to avoid strain or pressure points. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2023

This combination is supposed to help prevent pressure points from developing along your hips, shoulders, and lower back. —Sarah Madaus, Allure, 14 Mar. 2024

Republican lawmakers have stressed that inflation rates that peaked in 2022 have hurt family’s buying power, an immediate pressure point that has hurt President Joe Biden’s approval. —Josh Boak, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2024

The sole offering at Nika is a traditional Khmer massage, a centuries-old technique incorporating stretching and pressure points for a restorative experience. —Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2024

Republican lawmakers have stressed that inflation rates that peaked in 2022 have hurt family's buying power, an immediate pressure point that has hurt President Joe Biden's approval. —CBS News, 19 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pressure point

noun

: a point where a blood vessel runs near a bone and can be compressed (as to stop bleeding) by applying pressure against the bone

Medical Definition

pressure point

noun

1

: a region of the body in which the distribution of soft and skeletal parts is such that a static position (as of a part in a cast or of a bedridden person) tends to cause circulatory deficiency and necrosis due to local compression of blood vessels

Saggy mattresses invite bedsores. One of the best preventive steps for a bedridden patient is use of the special eggcrate foam mattresses that distribute patient weight more evenly softening major pressure points.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News

compare bedsore

2

: a discrete point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes

3

: a point on the body where a blood vessel (as the brachial or femoral artery) can be compressed against an underlying bone to slow blood flow and control bleeding

Even before you leave the water, begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets.

—Shakava Andres, The Florida Times-Union