ruggedize

verb

rug·​ged·​ize ˈrə-gə-ˌdīz How to pronounce ruggedize (audio)
ruggedized; ruggedizing

transitive verb

: to strengthen (something, such as a machine) for better resistance to wear, stress, and abuse
a ruggedized camera
ruggedization noun

Examples of ruggedize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One of the very top priorities would be huge upgrades to the Texas grid — to ruggedize and diversify its power sources and transmission lines, and especially add new connections to the rest of the country. Ryan Cooper, The Week, 17 June 2021 Now, Katzschmann and his colleagues have ruggedized SoFi and reinvented its buoyancy control system. National Geographic, 21 Mar. 2018 Rugged Monster Mats are there to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous seaside adventure, while the sill plates are similarly ruggedized. Davey G. Johnson, Car and Driver, 11 Jan. 2018 The Xperia devices have always impressed with their build quality and their forward-looking features like ruggedizing and waterproofing. Maurizio Pesce, WIRED, 3 Sep. 2014

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ruggedize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruggedize was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near ruggedize

Cite this Entry

“Ruggedize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruggedize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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