pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz How to pronounce pressurize (audio)
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 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a high-strength container used to store helium gas, which is critical for pressurizing the rocket’s propellant tanks and ensuring proper fuel flow to its engines. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Mud volcanoes, though not fully understood, occur in areas where subsurface layers of fluidized sediments, like silt and clay, are pressurized by tectonic activity, such as near the boundaries of the Earth's crustal plates or by the buildup of hydrocarbon gases. Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 15 Jan. 2025 Using dry nitrogen, Vast pressurized the module on the test stand twice — the first for a duration of five hours, and the second for 48 hours. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2025 The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant into hot gas, which is sent to the coils in the outdoor unit or underground. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pressurize

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressurize was in 1938

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Cite this Entry

“Pressurize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressurize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pressurize

verb
pres·​sur·​ize ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce pressurize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pressurize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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