pressurize

verb pres·sur·ize \ ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Examples: pressurize in a Sentence

Definition of pressurize

pressurized; pressurizing

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

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pressurization

play \ˌpre-sh(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən\ noun

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pressurizer

noun

See pressurize defined for English-language learners

See pressurize defined for kids

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 of pressurize from the Web

Aircraft cabins are pressurized to keep passengers comfortable and alive at high altitudes, said Jim Gregory, a professor of aeronautical engineering and director of the Aerospace Research Center at Ohio State University.

— rick noack, Washington Post, "Co-pilot sucked halfway out of plane after windshield breaks off over China," 15 May 2018
Air is pressurized by an electric engine for the brake system.

— Washington Post, "Volunteers work to save vintage train simulator in Berlin," 12 May 2018
That can happen because the inside of the airplane is pressurized, so people can breathe even as the plane climbs to lower air pressures at higher altitudes.

— rachel becker, The Verge, "How it’s possible for a person to be sucked from an airplane mid-flight," 18 Apr. 2018
At the push of a button, the cabin pressurizes and a high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) helps protect riders from bacterial agents like anthrax and plague.

— jeff bercovici, WSJ, "The Upscale Way to Prepare for Doomsday—from $79,500 Teslas to $275 Jeans," 10 May 2018
In addition to recommending the CPUC turn down the pipeline project, Kersten’s order also called for SDG&E and SoCalGas to perform a hydrostatic — or water-pressurized — test of the 16-inch line to determine strength and potential leaks.

— rob nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "CPUC judge rejects SDG&E pipeline project between Rainbow and Miramar," 2 May 2018
Alaska Seaplanes in Juneau operates a fleet of deHavilland Beavers on floats, Cessna 208 Caravans and a single high-speed, pressurized Pilatus PC-12.

— scott mcmurren, Anchorage Daily News, "Here’s a look at the airlines that carry rural Alaskans that final mile, whether in Ketchikan or Kaktovik," 31 Mar. 2018
This structure is essential to keeping the airlock pressurized as astronauts prepare payloads.

— andrea rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, "SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch fortifies resolve of other commercial space projects," 7 Feb. 2018
The exhaust manifolds are integrated with the hot side of the turbo housings, which encase titanium turbine wheels spinning at up to 170,000 rpm while pressurizing the intake manifolds with as much as 20.0 psi of boost.

— k.c. colwell, Car and Driver, "Deep Dive: Cadillac’s New, Exclusive 4.2-Liter Twin-Turbo V-8," 21 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pressurize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pressurize

1938

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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PRESSURIZE Defined for English Language Learners

pressurize

verb

Definition of pressurize for English Language Learners

: to press (something) tightly into a space or container
: to cause the air pressure inside (something, such as an airplane) to be the same as or close to the pressure of air on the Earth's surface