PRESSING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does pressing mean? 

• PRESSING (noun)
  The noun PRESSING has 2 senses:

1. the act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

2. a metal or plastic part that is made by a mechanical press

  Familiarity information: PRESSING used as a noun is rare.

• PRESSING (adjective)
  The adjective PRESSING has 1 sense:

1. compelling immediate action

  Familiarity information: PRESSING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRESSING (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The act of pressing; the exertion of pressure

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

press; pressing; pressure

Context example:

at the pressing of a button

Hypernyms ("pressing" is a kind of...):

push; pushing (the act of applying force in order to move something away)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "pressing"):

impression (the act of pressing one thing on or into the surface of another)

compressing; compression (applying pressure)

Derivation:

press (squeeze or press together)

press (place between two surfaces and apply weight or pressure)

press (exert pressure or force to or upon)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A metal or plastic part that is made by a mechanical press

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("pressing" is a kind of...):

part; portion (something less than the whole of a human artifact)

Derivation:

press (press from a plastic)

• PRESSING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Compelling immediate action

Synonyms:

pressing; urgent

Context example:

bridges in urgent need of repair

Similar:

imperative (requiring attention or action)

 Context examples 

You can think that we did justice to all the good things, and Miss Hinton would ever keep pressing us to pass our cup and to fill our plate.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Dearest Fanny! cried Edmund, pressing her hand to his lips with almost as much warmth as if it had been Miss Crawford's, you are all considerate thought!

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

“Trot! My dear Trot!” cried my aunt, in a terrified whisper, and pressing my arm.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

He dozed despite himself, crouching by the fire, the blankets about his shoulders, the axe between his knees, and on either side a dog pressing close against him.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

As Thornton got to his feet, Buck seized his mittened hand between his jaws, pressing in with his teeth and releasing slowly, half-reluctantly.

(The Call of the Wild, by Jack London)

"Lizzie," she replied, softening toward him, her hand pressing his arm, while her body leaned against his.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Obesity levels worldwide have almost tripled since 1975, making it one of the most pressing public health challenges today.

(Menu labelling linked to less fat and salt in food, University of Cambridge)

Pressing the pillow against his left ear, I asked him if he heard me, but he gave no sign.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

These are the motives which I have been pressing on you.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

The first consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens you.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)