high-pressure

1 of 2

adjective

high-pres·​sure ˈhī-ˈpre-shər How to pronounce high-pressure (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Spending money on rooftop solar is not affordable for everyone, and the industry has gained a reputation for high-pressure sales tactics. Jeff Brady, NPR, 20 Sep. 2025 The official synopsis for Black Rabbit reads: Set against the backdrop of New York City's high-pressure nightlife scene, Black Rabbit centers on two brothers who are pushed to the brink by their duty to family and their pursuit of success. Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
The tools performed flawlessly in the gritty, high-pressure environment — a testament to their engineering integrity. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 Even in the comically high-pressure kitchen, there was another lesson about time. Raquel Reichard, Refinery29, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for high-pressure

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1810, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1925, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of high-pressure was in 1810

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“High-pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/high-pressure. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!