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
Sounding the Alarm Bigelow is no stranger to films with political ramifications that examine the high-pressure mechanics of American institutions under duress. Senior Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Oct. 2025 In addition to his grooming routine, Aidan prioritizes his physical wellbeing with recovery methods like ice baths after his long practices and high-pressure games with the Detroit Lions. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
This is the sort of high-pressure challenge Mount relishes. Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 Defensively, key contributors have missed stretches of games, forcing young players to emerge into high-pressure roles. MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 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 24 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
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