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 Additionally, the middle layer offers zones of support to relieve pressure points such as the shoulders and properly support the hips and back. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 The treatment offerings are just as comprehensive, ranging from modern Hydrafacials to the Thai Muscle Melt, an 80-minute full-body massage that draws inspiration from ancient Thai healing practices used on weary warriors returning from battle with warmed herbal poultices and pressure points. Katie Chang, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Co-production is one way of battling rampant cost-hikes, a big producer pressure point in Spain, said Mod Producciones’ Fernando Bovaira. Callum McLennan, Variety, 29 Sep. 2023 The spongy exterior features a wavy, ridged texture that’s ideal for applying gentle pressure to sore areas, while the corkscrew design of the inner roller can easily target pressure points. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2024 By targeting Putin’s pressure points and aiming to inflict painful defeats on Russia in the Black Sea or in Crimea, Ukraine is hoping to galvanize public sentiment in Russia against the war and its ringleader. Norbert Röttgen, Foreign Affairs, 22 Dec. 2023 Certification of election results remains a potential pressure point for delaying or undermining a final outcome in the next election — whether by local commissions, state certification boards, legislatures or even Congress. Nicholas Riccardi, Anchorage Daily News, 5 Aug. 2023 Acupuncture is all about stimulating specific pressure points. Mara Santilli, Glamour, 10 Nov. 2023 The only thing getting operated on here are noninvasive pressure points. Kurt Knutsson, Fox News, 27 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pressure point.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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