depressurize

verb

de·​pres·​sur·​ize (ˌ)dē-ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz 

depressurized; depressurizing; depressurizes

transitive verb

: to release pressure from

depressurization

(ˌ)dē-ˌpre-shə-rə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of depressurize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An amine will grab CO2 molecules when exposed to them, but let go of the CO2 when heated or depressurized, leaving it ready to go again. —ArsTechnica, 8 June 2026

The rocks, recently depressurized after their journey from the seafloor, were oozing petroleum. —Jeffrey Marlow, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026

Officially called the Orion crew survival system, the orange suits protect the crew during launch and reentry, but also could be used in an emergency to provide the crew member wearing it with a breathable atmosphere for up to six days if Orion depressurized. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026

Flaring involves burning off residual vapors or gases in a safe manner to depressurize them and prevent explosions or accidents. —Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for depressurize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

depressurize

verb

de·​pres·​sur·​ize (ˈ)dē-ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz 

: to release (as an aircraft with near-normal atmospheric pressure) from pressure