high-pressure
Americanadjective
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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.
Authorized repayment programs don’t use high-pressure tactics, experts say.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
The man who left Scotland with just enough cash to place a wild bet on himself still appreciates the pay-offs from inhabiting this high-pressure world where his healing hands can provide a critical assist.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Plan something around a shared interest, like soccer or baseball, where they’re enjoying the sport together and they don’t have to sit and talk in a high-pressure way — they can just have fun.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026
His high-pressure defense pushed the Huskers to a 26-6 record.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
“Sorry, bud. With the high-pressure system, chances of snow are pretty low. There won’t be any clouds.”
From "The Sea in Winter" by Christine Day
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.
