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
Compare meaning
How does high-pressure compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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.
See Examples For:
He said the company had inspected the high-pressure valves three days before the mall reopened June 13.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
This week's "heat dome" conditions in the US occur when high-pressure systems trap warm air like the lid on a pot.
From Barron's ● 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 high-pressure zone created by the wind now had an avenue to drain.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
The Solihull-born coach had become bristly with the media during his time in England in high-pressured jobs.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
And that’s a very hard thing to do in those high-pressured situations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025
As a result, LNG terminals have largely relied on the Haynesville Shale, a deep, high-pressured rock formation that spans East Texas and Louisiana, for their fuel.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2025
The method generates carbon-free power by injecting a flow of cold, high-pressured water into rock, where it is heated up and then travels through pipes back above ground.
From Scientific American ● Feb. 14, 2023
Oil is forced under pressure to all bearings by means of high-pressured duplex-geared pumps.
From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred
He scorns the usual props: high-pressuring, dancing attendance on people, buttering his employers.
From Time Magazine Archive
With a flop, veterans like Maney don't try pleading or high-pressuring.
From Time Magazine Archive
This year, while William Reynolds' bay filly Mary Reynolds was winning several preliminary races on the Grand Circuit, a publicity agent was high-pressuring newspaper interest in trotting racing.
From Time Magazine Archive
It was a big victory for U.S. aircraft makers over the British, who have been high-pressuring Lufthansa to buy Comet III jets.
From Time Magazine Archive
When it makes with the feet, Beat the Band is enjoyable, but the general effect of the show is one of high-pressuring rather than high spirits.
From Time Magazine Archive
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.
