high-pressure

1 of 2

adjective

high-pres·​sure ˈhī-ˈpre-shər 

1

a

: having or involving a high or comparatively high pressure especially greatly exceeding that of the atmosphere

b

: having a high barometric pressure

2

a

: using or involving aggressive and insistent sales techniques

b

: imposing or involving severe strain or tension

high-pressure occupations

high-pressure

2 of 2

verb

high-pressured; high-pressuring; high-pressures

transitive verb

: to sell or influence by high-pressure tactics

Synonyms of high-pressure

Adjective

• aggressive
• ambitious
• fierce

Examples of high-pressure in a Sentence

Adjective

a high-pressure salesman who wouldn't take "no" for an answer

"for a limited time only" and other standbys of high-pressure advertising

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

In high-pressure roles, sleep is the critical infrastructure that supports leaders' prefrontal stability, enabling them to project gravitas, spread a compelling vision, exhibit adaptability, and sustain the optimism required to galvanize teams across various business scenarios. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 28 Feb. 2026

With daily temperature averages during the end of February around 73 to 74 degrees, the high-pressure system was unusually strong for this time of the year, according to the weather service. —Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Verb

With daily temperature averages during the end of February around 73 to 74 degrees, the high-pressure system was unusually strong for this time of the year, according to the weather service. —Christian Cervantes, AZCentral.com, 26 Feb. 2026

There are some signals that rain chances will start to increase by the middle of next week as a high-pressure ridge starts to break down, and a series of shortwaves (small disturbances) move through. —Michael Autovino, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1925, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for high-pressure

• refresher
• acupressure
• overpressure
• flesher
• fresher
• pressure
• thresher

Kids Definition

high-pressure

1 of 2 adjective

1

a

: having or involving a high pressure especially much higher than that of the atmosphere

b

: having a high atmospheric pressure

2

: using or involving very aggressive sales techniques

high-pressure

2 of 2 verb

: to sell or influence by high-pressure methods