dieselize

[ dee-zuh-lahyz, -suh- ]

verb (used with object)

, die·sel·ized, die·sel·iz·ing.

1. to equip with diesel machinery.

verb (used without object)

, die·sel·ized, die·sel·iz·ing.

1. to become equipped with diesel machinery or vehicles, as a railroad.

Other Words From

• diesel·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dieselize¹

First recorded in 1945–50; diesel + -ize

Example Sentences

Though it was one of the last major U.S. railroads to dieselize, it was finally retiring steam locomotives at a fast clip and stepping up its purchase of diesel-electric equipment.

From Time Magazine Archive