pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz 

pressurized; pressurizing

transitive verb

1

: to confine the contents of under a pressure greater than that of the outside atmosphere

especially : to maintain near-normal atmospheric pressure in during high-altitude or spaceflight (as by means of a supercharger)

2

: to apply pressure to

3

: to design to withstand pressure

pressurization

ˌpre-sh(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

pressurizer noun

Examples of pressurize in a Sentence

A pump is used to pressurize the fuel.

The system that pressurizes the airplane's cabin failed to operate correctly.

Don't let them pressurize you to do anything you don't want to do.

Recent Examples on the Web

When pressurized, its air chambers expand, causing the finger to bend inward. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 31 Oct. 2024

After Starliner developed thruster problems and leaks in the helium system that keeps the thruster system pressurized, NASA decided that the ship could not be trusted to carry Williams and Wilmore home safely. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 9 Sep. 2024

Despite the leaks, the spacecraft also has ample helium to pressurize its propulsion system, NASA officials said. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 Aug. 2024

The sealed and pressurized motorcycle system has a much lower thermal differential, and needs both a higher coolant flow rate and effective radiators. —New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz 

pressurized; pressurizing

1

: to maintain near-normal atmospheric pressure in

pressurize an airplane cabin

2

: to apply pressure to

pressurization

ˌpresh-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən

noun