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

But that’s not the only pressure point between Trump and transatlantic partners. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024

Every crumbling institution of the city — from the halls of justice to the backrooms of Crown Point — is a pressure point that demands attention. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024

Side sleepers, on the other hand, may feel more comfortable on softer mattresses that support pressure points. —Kathleen Felton, SELF, 15 Oct. 2024

Acupuncturists claim that their needles can unblock the flow of qi and restore your physical and emotional health when inserted into specific pressure points. —Tim Petrie, Dpt, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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