Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

pressure point

American  

noun

  1. a point on the skin that is extremely sensitive to pressure because of the presence of pressure-sensing organs.

  2. a point on the body where relatively slight pressure serves to press an artery lying close to the surface against underlying bony tissue, so as to arrest the flow of blood into a part.

  3. a sensitive, crucial area or issue against which concerted persuasion or pressure tactics can be wielded to produce a desired result.

    Lobbyists attempt to find the pressure points of government.


pressure point British  

noun

  1. any of several points on the body above an artery that, when firmly pressed, will control bleeding from the artery at a point farther away from the heart

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pressure point

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Analysts say Iran has long treated the strait as a strategic pressure point, though a full prolonged blockade is considered unlikely as Tehran relies on the same route for crude exports and wider trade.

From The Wall Street Journal

All in all, there are plenty of potential pressure points on the S&P 500.

From Barron's

The persistent underperformance, marked by seven consecutive sessions closing below the 200 day simple moving average, reinforces the concern that financials remain a key pressure point for the broader tape.

From Barron's

We keep pouring resources into making the elderly comfortable and happy when the economy’s pressure points lie elsewhere.

From The Wall Street Journal

It reveals itself in patterns, in pressure points, in the way a body moves through the world.

From Salon