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Showing results for peer pressure. Search instead for real pressure.

peer pressure

American  
[peer presh-er] / ˈpɪər ˈprɛʃ ər /

noun

  1. social pressure by members of one's peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted.


peer pressure Cultural  
  1. The social influence a peer group exerts on its individual members, as each member attempts to conform to the expectations of the group. (See conformity.)


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.

See Examples For:

The government says that type of crime is often a result of peer pressure, exploitation and "adolescent impulsivity" by individuals who are still developing, as opposed to a broader propensity for crime and violence.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2026

Today’s target group is teenagers, who famously succumb to peer pressure.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Former gang member Kevin Martin, who now works with a youth organisation in Glasgow, said those carrying knives were doing so "out of fear and peer pressure".

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

"There is peer pressure, because they've seen what their friends did. There is the expectation that has been planted with an affluent lifestyle. And there is the idea of showing effort," he said.

From Barron's ● Feb. 12, 2026

Rishi held his arms open, and Dimple, giving in to peer pressure in spite of every instinct screaming at her not to, leaped into his arms.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

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