pressurize
verb
pres·sur·ize
ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz 
pressurized; pressurizing
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
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 gas is used to pressurize the Starliner’s propulsion system.
—
Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024
The refrigerant sealed inside the device evaporates readily when it is warmed even slightly, say by the outdoor air, and a compressor then pressurizes the warmed gas, which has the effect of heating it further.
—Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 2 July 2024
The spacecraft uses helium to pressurize the service module's propulsion system when in transit to and from the space station.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 June 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for pressurize 
Laurence Darmiento, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2024
The refrigerant sealed inside the device evaporates readily when it is warmed even slightly, say by the outdoor air, and a compressor then pressurizes the warmed gas, which has the effect of heating it further.
—Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 2 July 2024
The spacecraft uses helium to pressurize the service module's propulsion system when in transit to and from the space station.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 28 June 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for pressurize
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.
Dictionary Entries Near pressurize
Cite this Entry
“Pressurize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressurize. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
noun
ˌpresh-(ə-)rə-ˈzā-shən
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