pressure point

American  

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.

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pressure point British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of pressure point

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The market for what are known as distillate fuels, which include jet fuel and diesel, has become the pressure point in the Iran war.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

“Normally in any kind of competition, you get excited and play with a pressure point … but you don’t feel this when you are practicing,” Opelka said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Sergey Radchenko, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, recalled how before the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine senior Russian strategists frequently talked of using security presence in Venezuela as a pressure point against the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

At the same time, required minimum distributions are another pressure point come tax time, and it makes sense that you want to lower the amount you’ll have to take then.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 19, 2025

Richard was to tap a pressure point on his chest while reaching out to me with his other hand, and Mother was to hold a point in her palm while touching Richard with her foot.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover