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.
Rather than merely sealing tools against water intrusion, Nemo’s patented system actively pressurizes the tool’s internal chamber with air to match or exceed surrounding water pressure. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025 The cabins of commercial planes aren’t pressurized or heated like the rest of the aircraft, causing temperatures to decrease rapidly and so the chances of catching hypothermia are likely, along with the possibility of being injured upon the impact of landing. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 Hyperbaric chambers are pressurized, tubelike devices that deliver air that consists of 100% oxygen, which helps patients heal more quickly from certain injuries or illnesses but also creates a highly combustible environment. Elizabeth Chuck, NBC news, 22 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, the water column and the surrounding rock pressurizes the reactor to 160 ATM (2,352 psi) without the need for special equipment. New Atlas, 21 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pressurize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressurize. Accessed 1 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!