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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
His pants were then forcibly removed, and a high-pressure compressor was reportedly used to inject air into his rectum. Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 20 Nov. 2025 Carlson keeps up on the latest sports psychology books and talks to golfers, pitchers and high-percentage shooters in basketball who require consistent performance in high-pressure moments. Dan Robson, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
Verb
The Razorbacks have had only two seasons better than 7-6 since Petrino finished a four-year term in 2011 with an 11-2 mark, a clear indication the program has fallen behind in the high-pressure SEC. Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 30 Nov. 2025 The trough also weakened the western side of the Bermuda High; the dominant high-pressure system located over the Atlantic Ocean that usually helps steer weather systems. Daniel Peck, ABC News, 30 Nov. 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 3 Dec. 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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