pressure group

American  

noun

1. an interest group that attempts to influence legislation through the use of lobbying techniques and propaganda.

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pressure group British  

noun

1. a group of people who seek to exert pressure on legislators, public opinion, etc, in order to promote their own ideas or welfare

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pressure group Cultural  

1. An organized group that tries to influence the government to adopt certain policies or measures. Also called an interest group. (See lobby.)

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Etymology

Origin of pressure group

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Still, the ClientEarth pressure group called the report a "vital reminder that the commission is not above the law" and that "civil society must not be sidelined."

From Barron's • Nov. 27, 2025

The Transport and Environment pressure group said the plan contained "promising steps" towards decarbonising aviation and maritime transport -- but that the bloc needs to move fast.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

Mai Rosner, a senior campaigner from the pressure group Global Witness, says many Western policymakers fear that cutting imports of Russian fuels will lead to higher energy prices.

From BBC • May 29, 2025

Yet Emma Grange, the director of science and regulatory affairs at pressure group Cruelty Free International, counters that all efforts should be made to ensure the phase-out of animal testing.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2024

Mda believed the Youth League should function as an internal pressure group, a militant nationalistic wing within the ANC as a whole that would propel the organization into a new era.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• interest group
• political action committee