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

Loan demand from consumers and businesses in China has been lackluster, which has cause banks to scoop up government bonds, pressurizing yields. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

This transportable, pressurized underwater shelter, capable of housing up to three divers for periods ranging up to a week or so, will be a stepping stone to a more permanent modular habitat system—known as Sentinel—that is set to launch in 2027. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Dec. 2024

The Waterpik Cordless Advanced 2.0 Water Flosser has a 360-degree rotating tip that shoots pressurized water between the teeth for a safer way to floss. —Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024

When pressurized, its air chambers expand, causing the finger to bend inward. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 31 Oct. 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