pressurize

verb pres·sur·ize \ ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

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

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
The particles are then pressurized in a hot, alkaline solution that contains lithium salt.

— rob nikolewski, sandiegouniontribune.com, "UCSD professor devises way to recycle lithium-ion batteries," 16 Mar. 2018
While the bin is pressurized, there’s no air circulation in the bins as there’s no expectation for a living animal to be placed inside.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "'There was no sound': United apologizes after French bulldog dies in overhead bin | The Kansas City Star," 13 Mar. 2018
Later flights could outfit the tank, pressurize it for habitation, and eventually set up crew quarters and laboratories.

— eric berger, Ars Technica, "The Greatest Leap, part 6: After Apollo, NASA still searching for an encore," 13 Feb. 2018
Release the clip, and push the handle in, lightly pressurizing the barrel and forcing adhesive into the chip for a minute or so.

— mike allen, Popular Mechanics, "How to Repair Your Cracked Windshield," 9 Jan. 2018
The conflict between husband and wife, pressurized by their daily encounters with Islamophobia, is set within a larger family and historical context.

— jesse green, New York Times, "Review: ‘An Ordinary Muslim’ Gets Caught Between Cultures and Genres," 26 Feb. 2018
The $280 million 787-9 Dreamliner is also passenger friendly as the cabin provides more humidity and is pressurized at a lower altitude than other planes.

— andrea rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, "Why flying a Dreamliner makes the Houston-Sydney flight possible," 2 Feb. 2018
Moments later, substitute M'Baye Niang dragged a shot wide for the hosts when pressurized by the defense.

— SI.com, "Bullish Juventus Beats Torino as Serie A Title Race Rages on," 18 Feb. 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