圧力(あつりょく)

あつりょく
noun
pressure; coercion
sciencepolitics
1. pressure (physical)
Force per unit area applied to a surface. Used in scientific, technical, and everyday physical contexts.
Water pressure increases in proportion to depth.
To check the tire air pressure.
Using a pressure cooker lets you cook in a short time.
2. pressure, coercion, influence
Social, political, or organizational pressure exerted to influence decisions or behavior.
圧力(あつりょく)をかける。
To put pressure on.
政治的(せいじてき)な圧力(あつりょく)に屈(くっ)しない。
To not give in to political pressure.
Industry groups are pressuring the government to ease regulations.

Usage

Both the physical and figurative senses are extremely common. The expression 圧力(あつりょく)をかける (to apply pressure) works for both senses. 圧力(あつりょく)団体(だんたい) (pressure group / lobby) is a key political term.

Common collocations