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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Apply Pressure: Meaning, Examples, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：press firmly (apply pressure)

apply pressure 🔊

/əˈplaɪ ˈprɛʃər/

phr.v.

To press something firmly, usually with your hands or an object.

Hands applying pressure on a bandaged knee first aid

press firmly 🔊

➕

/prɛs ˈfɜrmli/

phr.v.

To put physical force onto something, usually with hands or an object, in order to stop a flow or hold it in place.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'applicare' (ad- + plicare, to fold) and 'pressura' (from premere, to press).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a hand pressing a bandage—'apply' + 'press' = firm action.

📖 Example

To stop the bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. 🔊 In order to stop the bleeding, press firmly on the wound using a clean cloth.

🔗 Collocations

apply pressure to a wound – to press firmly on an injury to stop bleeding

apply pressure with a cloth – to use a piece of fabric when pressing

firmly apply pressure – to press with steady and considerable force

🔄 Synonyms

press down (phr.v.) – to exert force on something from above

compress (v.) – to squeeze or press together

squeeze (v.) – to press firmly from opposite sides

🚫 Antonyms

release (v.) – to stop holding or pressing

lift off (phr.v.) – to remove pressure by raising the object or hand

📖 Cultural Story

Common in first aid manuals since the 19th century for staunching bleeding; also widely used in business contexts to describe forceful persuasion or deadline enforcement.

Meaning 2：coerce or urge strongly (apply pressure)

apply pressure 🔊

/əˈplaɪ ˈprɛʃər/

phr.v.

To try to make someone do something by asking, persuading, or threatening.

Manager applying pressure on employee with deadline calendar

coerce or urge strongly 🔊

➕

/koʊˈɜrs ɔr ɜrdʒ ˈstrɔŋli/

phr.v.

To use persistent requests, persuasion, or threats to make someone take a desired action.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Our manager didn't force us, but he did apply pressure to finish the project before the holiday. 🔊 Our manager didn't compel us, but he certainly urged strongly that we finish the project before the holiday.

🔗 Collocations

apply pressure on someone – to try to persuade or force someone to act

apply political pressure – to use influence or threats in a political context

apply pressure to meet a deadline – to urge strongly that a task be completed on time

🔄 Synonyms

coerce (v.) – to force someone to act by using threats or authority

urge (v.) – to strongly encourage or push someone to do something

push (v.) – to demand or pressure someone persistently

🚫 Antonyms

encourage gently (phr.v.) – to support softly without pressure

allow freedom (phr.v.) – to give someone full choice without urging