high-pressure
Americanadjective
-
having or involving a pressure above the normal.
high-pressure steam.
-
vigorous; persistent; aggressive.
high-pressure salesmanship.
verb (used with object)
adjective
-
having, using, involving, or designed to withstand a pressure above normal pressure
a high-pressure gas
a high-pressure cylinder
-
informal (of selling) persuasive in an aggressive and persistent manner
Etymology
Origin of high-pressure
First recorded in 1815–25
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Brind’Amour had an eye for picking out the types of players who could succeed in his distinct, high-pressure system.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
The heatwave is a result of a so-called "heat dome", external - the warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe.
From BBC • May 26, 2026
A so-called "heat dome" of warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe is behind the sort of heat not usually seen until high summer.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
The low-pressure system that brought scattered showers and cooler temperatures has moved into Mexico while a high-pressure system has been building up behind it, according to the National Weather Service.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
Barack, as he always is on high-pressure days, was more easygoing than ever.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
