pressure point

noun

1. a point on the skin that is extremely sensitive to pressure because of the presence of pressure-sensing organs.

2. a point on the body where relatively slight pressure serves to press an artery lying close to the surface against underlying bony tissue, so as to arrest the flow of blood into a part.

3. a sensitive, crucial area or issue against which concerted persuasion or pressure tactics can be wielded to produce a desired result.

   Lobbyists attempt to find the pressure points of government.

pressure point

noun

1. any of several points on the body above an artery that, when firmly pressed, will control bleeding from the artery at a point farther away from the heart

Word History and Origins

Origin of pressure point¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

“If he keeps this pace up, he’s right on a pressure point,” Lesenyie said.

From Los Angeles Times

First, how Russia neutralises potential threats and pressure points.

From BBC

But the truth is Trump's brinkmanship and tariff hikes are pushing on pressure points that already exist within China's own struggling economy.

From BBC

It proved a pressure point for Trump - and now the world knows it.

From BBC

The Trump administration revealed a key pressure point with its concern about the "yippy" - as Trump called it - bond market.

From BBC