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.
A high-pressure, high-humidity, high-heat weather system—a heat dome—is hovering over most of the middle and eastern U.S. and Canada this week.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 2, 2026
The listing agent notes that the property is particularly well-suited to those who work in high-pressure environments—and seek a sanctuary to return to at the end of the day.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 2, 2026
Child-care access and affordability remain a high-pressure concern for parents.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026
The heatwave that hit Europe in May was due to a "heat dome", a large high-pressure system that stalls over a region and acts like a lid trapping hot air.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 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.
