overpressure

American  

[oh-ver-presh-er] / ˌoʊ vərˈprɛʃ ər /

noun

1. pressure in excess of normal atmospheric pressure, as that caused by an explosion's shock wave or created in an accelerating airplane.

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verb (used with object)

overpressured, overpressuring

1. to cause or expose to overpressure.

2. to make undue demands on by a regimen, work load, etc..

   students overpressured with heavy academic schedules.

overpressure British  

/ ˈəʊvəˌprɛʃə /

noun

1. the blast effect of a nuclear weapon expressed as an amount of pressure greater than normal barometric pressure

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Other Word Forms

• overpressurization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of overpressure

First recorded in 1635–45; over- + pressure

Example Sentences

It also warned overpressure could result in a small area of nitrogen displacing oxygen in the area around the inmate’s face or head.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2023

"Work is currently underway to better understand these findings and to be able to answer the question of 'how much is too much?' when it comes to blast overpressure exposure," Stone said.

From Science Daily • Dec. 6, 2023

We may never know the exact role multiple blast overpressure events played in deaths like James’—in large part due to military failures which continue today.

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2023

The detonation of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate would make the Beirut event one of the most powerful accidental industrial explosions on record and could produce enough overpressure to shatter glass 1.25 miles away.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2020

I am getting on first rate with my Greek, and will do capital if my health does not break down with overpressure.

From My Lady Nicotine A Study in Smoke by Prendergast, Maurice Brazil