pressurize

verb

pres·​sur·​ize ˈpre-shə-ˌrīz How to pronounce pressurize (audio)
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 How to pronounce pressurize (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cabins aren’t fully pressurized, so the gas in your stomach expands at altitude and leaves you bloated. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026 To protect the cargo, the capsule is pressurized with nitrogen or some other inert gas. — David Szondy june 22, New Atlas, 22 June 2026 Effectively, this means cosmonauts will no longer enter the PrK module or attempt to pressurize it. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 June 2026 The sCO2 first enters a compressor, where it is pressurized, preparing it for expansion later in the cycle. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pressurize

Word History

First Known Use

1938, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pressurize was in 1938

Rhymes for pressurize

See All Rhymes for pressurize

Browse Nearby Words

pressurization
pressurize
press warrant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pressurize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pressurize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pressurize

verb
pres·​sur·​ize ˈpresh-ə-ˌrīz How to pronounce pressurize (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pressurize

Nglish: Translation of pressurize for Spanish Speakers

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