■ noun
1》 continuous physical force exerted on or against an object by something in contact with it.
↘the force per unit area exerted by a fluid against a surface.
2》 the use of persuasion, intimidation, etc. to make someone do something.
↘a feeling of stressful urgency.
■ verb attempt to persuade or coerce into doing something.
Origin
ME: from OFr., from L. pressura , from press- 'pressed', from premere (see press 1 ).