pressure point

noun

1
a
: an area on the body sensitive to pressure: such as
(1)
: a discrete point on the body that when pressed causes pain
The technique involves using pressure points along the jaw to cause pain and induce temporary paralysis of the jaw.Margaret Harding
(2)
: a point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes
… an ancient Chinese art and science that uses pressure points in the feet and hands to relax and revitalize the entire body.Vogue
b
: a point on the body where a blood vessel (such as the femoral artery) can be compressed against an underlying bone to slow blood flow and control bleeding
… begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets.Shakava Andres
c
: a region of the body where a static position tends to cause circulatory deficiency and the development of bedsores
Pressure points of the human body when lying down in bed receive poor blood circulation, which causes the sore.Mike Cote
2
: a sensitive critical issue or matter that can be exploited for one's advantage
political pressure points

Examples of pressure point in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One of PayPal’s pressure points was its longer-than-anticipated separation from eBay (EBAY) , which eventually revealed a much larger impact on growth than what management had reported. Jeff Nash, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 Until Robinson returns — or the front office addresses the issue via trade — the Knicks’ defensive woes at the five will remain a glaring pressure point. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 Jan. 2025 And that has proven a pressure point in the current moment. David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 Acting to address the critical pressure points outlined above can go a long way to streamline FTTH deployment and mitigate risks. Katherine Latham, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pressure point 

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressure point was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near pressure point

Cite this Entry

“Pressure point.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressure%20point. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

pressure point

noun
: a point where a blood vessel runs near a bone and can be compressed (as to stop bleeding) by applying pressure against the bone

Medical Definition

pressure point

noun
1
: a region of the body in which the distribution of soft and skeletal parts is such that a static position (as of a part in a cast or of a bedridden person) tends to cause circulatory deficiency and necrosis due to local compression of blood vessels
Saggy mattresses invite bedsores. One of the best preventive steps for a bedridden patient is use of the special eggcrate foam mattresses that distribute patient weight more evenly softening major pressure points.Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News
compare bedsore
2
: a discrete point on the body to which pressure is applied (as in acupressure or reflexology) for therapeutic purposes
3
: a point on the body where a blood vessel (as the brachial or femoral artery) can be compressed against an underlying bone to slow blood flow and control bleeding
Even before you leave the water, begin controlling bleeding by pressing on pressure points or by applying tourniquets.Shakava Andres, The Florida Times-Union
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