pressurize

[ presh-uh-rahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, pres·sur·ized, pres·sur·iz·ing.

1. to raise the internal atmospheric pressure of to the required or desired level:

   to pressurize an astronaut's spacesuit before a walk in space.

2. to maintain normal air pressure in (the cockpit or cabin of an airplane) at high altitudes.
3. to apply pressure to (a gas or liquid); supercharge.
4. to pressure-cook.

pressurize

/ ˈprɛʃəˌraɪz /

verb

1. to increase the pressure in (an enclosure, such as an aircraft cabin) in order to maintain approximately atmospheric pressure when the external pressure is low
2. to increase pressure on (a fluid)
3. to make insistent demands of (someone); coerce

Derived Forms

• ˈpressurˌizer, noun
• ˌpressuriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• pressur·izer noun
• re·pressu·rize verb repressurized repressurizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of pressurize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; pressure + -ize

Example Sentences

Stephen, recruited for his ability to provide the necessary tools, had produced a 100-tonne jack, explosives, and a thermal lance, which heats and melts steel with pressurized oxygen to create very high temperatures.

From BBC

A Santa Barbara County Superior Court jury found Plains All American guilty on multiple criminal counts, including the failure to maintain its highly pressurized pipeline — a felony.

From Los Angeles Times

The pressurized tanks, he said, can cause an explosion.

From Los Angeles Times

Certainly, the Dodgers have an awesome lineup of their own, capable of scoring at least five runs a night even in a pressurized October setting.

From Los Angeles Times

And can you imagine the backlash if he were brought in to pitch in that very pressurized situation and then proceeded to blow it?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cause
• charge
• compel
• demand
• drag
• drive
• impose
• inflict
• limit
• make
• move
• oblige
• order
• press
• pressure
• require
• restrict
• urge