pressure point

Definition of pressure point

1a : 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 The lack of testing has been a major pressure point throughout the pandemic, with lawmakers and governors lashing out at the federal government for its failures in that regard even as President Donald Trump has increasingly blamed governors. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump administration, congressional leaders near deal on virus aid that includes major boost for small businesses," 19 Apr. 2020 Veterans groups and members of nationalist battalions represent an acute pressure point. — Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, "How Donald Trump Is Making It Harder to End the War in Ukraine," 6 Dec. 2019 This happens because the carpet and the padding underneath it provide so much cushioning that when someone walks on the carpet, foot pressure pushes the rug down, causing it to inch toward the pressure point. — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "How to stop a mattress topper from sliding," 28 Oct. 2019 But if the stakes are similar, the pressure points are not. — George Schroeder, USA TODAY, "A Georgia win against Florida is critical for the Bulldogs to get where they want to be," 1 Nov. 2019 Two silicon balls target specific pressure points on your neck and shoulders or even arms and legs with a gentle squeeze of the handles. — Tony Vaz, Popular Science, "Back, neck, and shoulder massagers to help you release tension," 11 Sep. 2019 The fuel economy limits are a particular pressure point because California long had a special ability under the Clean Air Act to set its own greenhouse gas limits for passenger cars stricter than federal levels. — Abby Smith, Washington Examiner, "Justice Department puts the brakes on investigation of automakers that aligned with California," 7 Feb. 2020 There’s a good deal of padding around the band, which is meant to disperse the weight across your whole skull as opposed to bearing down on one pressure point at the crown of your head. — Wired, "New Beats Solo Pro Headphones Add On-Ear Noise Canceling," 15 Oct. 2019 With its bevy of single-family homes, District One, which is primarily comprised of the Richmond District, will likely be a pressure point in San Francisco’s roiling housing debate. — Dominic Fracassa, SFChronicle.com, "Longtime local political aide to run for SF Richmond District’s supervisor seat," 17 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pressure point.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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“Pressure point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressure%20point. Accessed 5 Jul. 2020.

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More Definitions for pressure point

pressure point

noun

English Language Learners Definition of pressure point

: a place on your body that can be pressed to stop tension or pain

: a place on your body where a blood vessel is near the bone and can be pressed to stop bleeding

: a place, area, or situation that is a source or possible source of problems : a point where pressure is applied or felt

See the full definition for pressure point in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pressure point

noun

Medical Definition of pressure point

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