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.
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When signing him, Real Madrid regarded him as one of the most versatile defenders in the world and one who could influence games through his passing range, crossing ability and experience in managing high-pressure moments.
From BBC ● Aug. 9, 2026
The Galaxy hope to capitalize on his speed, ability to play on both wings and experience in high-pressure situations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
"No one saw anything. The only alert we received was for a high-pressure tank," one said.
From Barron's ● Aug. 1, 2026
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
The high-pressure zone created by the wind now had an avenue to drain.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
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
Whoever is the race director going forward, they will need a better system around them to ease the load of one of the most high-pressured jobs in sport.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 2022
Lavin added that Johnson brought an authentic lightheartedness to a high-pressured environment where winning was expected.
From New York Times ● Nov. 18, 2021
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 Victor Wilfred Pag?
He scorns the usual props: high-pressuring, dancing attendance on people, buttering his employers.
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
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
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.
