Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

peer pressure

noun

/pɪr ˈprɛʃər/

Definition

Peer pressure is the influence exerted by a group of people, often friends or equals, that encourages an individual to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors in order to fit in with the group.

Examples

Many teenagers experience peer pressure to try smoking or drinking.
Joining the sports team was a way to escape the negative peer pressure that others faced.
She felt peer pressure to wear the latest fashion trends to school.

Meaning

Peer pressure typically occurs among adolescents and young adults, and it can lead to both positive and negative behaviors depending on the context and the influences involved.