pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz 

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

ˌpre-sh(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən 

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

Engineers are also confirming their estimates of how much extra helium the spacecraft carries to pressurize its propulsion system after Starliner undocks from the space station. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 11 July 2024

The system was pressurized for the hot-fire test, but otherwise valves have been closed as always planned to isolate the helium tanks, eliminating additional leakage. —William Harwood, CBS News, 10 July 2024

Helium is used to pressurize fuel for the thrusters, and a faulty rubber seal was suspected in the initial leak. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 29 June 2024

The gas is used to pressurize the Starliner’s propulsion system. —Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz 

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