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

Because the water is highly pressurized, these plants need heavy piping and thick containment shields to protect against accidents. —Brad Plumer Benjamin Rasmussen, New York Times, 11 June 2024

The spacecraft uses helium gas to pressurize its propulsion system and push hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants from internal tanks to the capsule's maneuvering thrusters. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024

In the meantime, Boeing engineers were assessing data collected after the scrub that indicated a small helium leak in plumbing used to pressurize the Starliner's propulsion system. —William Harwood, CBS News, 31 May 2024

This means that the cabin needs to be pressurized to maintain a breathable environment. —Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 May 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