pressure point

noun

1

a

: 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

On the other hand, memory foam mattresses have gained popularity for their ability to conform to the body's shape, offering exceptional pressure point relief. —Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025

One of the selling points of waterbeds was that sleeping on one helped ease pressure points and could reduce back pain, especially when compared to a traditional mattress. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

And Trump’s visit to the region will serve as a pressure point to potentially unlock a deal. —Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 12 May 2025

They are placed on pressure points that align with the area of the body being treated. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for pressure point

• adjoint
• anoint
• appoint
• checkpoint
• conjoint
• disjoint
• endpoint
• gunpoint
• midpoint
• nonpoint
• pinpoint
• standpoint

Kids Definition

pressure point

noun

: a point where a blood vessel runs near a bone and can be compressed (as to stop bleeding) by applying pressure against the bone

Medical Definition

pressure point

noun

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