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 The capsule is also pressurized, so it’s meant for passengers to be able to walk around. Passant Rabie / Gizmodo, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 Last year, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems discovered improperly drilled fastener holes in a bulkhead that keeps 737 Max jets pressurized at cruising altitude. David Koenig, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2024 Every time the plane pressurized and de-pressurized, there was an opportunity for the door plug to come undone. Chris Isidore, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024 Zubrin notes that the first bases will concentrate on developing water extraction techniques from Martian permafrost; constructing greenhouses; and pressurized structures for human habitation as well as industrial and agricultural activity. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 The coupe’s steel spaceframe was replaced with an aluminum one, air pressurized to detect any stress failures. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 The doors in a commercial plane are designed specifically to be un-openable while the cabin is pressurized, and designed to withstand the pressure of the cabin. Sam Dean, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2024 Medvedev continued pressurizing Sinner at the beginning of the second, forcing him to serve out a marathon game featuring five deuces but, somehow, the young Italian held out before conceding the break in his next service game. Issy Ronald, CNN, 28 Jan. 2024 This valve activated to pressurize the fuel and oxidizer tanks with helium. Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pressurize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressurize was in 1938

Dictionary Entries Near pressurize

Cite this Entry

“Pressurize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressurize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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