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
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
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
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
Mike Cote2
: 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
See all Example Sentences for pressure point 
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.
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
See all Example Sentences for pressure point
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 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
pressure point
noun1
: 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
Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News2
: 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
Shakava Andres, The Florida Times-UnionLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share