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pressurize

 - 2 dictionary results

pres⋅sur⋅ize

[presh-uh-rahyz]
–verb (used with object), -ized, -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.
Also, especially British, pres⋅sur⋅ise.


Origin:
1940–45; pressure + -ize


pres⋅sur⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pres·sur·ize   (prěsh'ə-rīz')   
tr.v.   pres·sur·ized, pres·sur·iz·ing, pres·sur·iz·es
  1. To maintain normal air pressure in (an enclosure, as an aircraft or submarine).

  2. To put (gas or liquid) under a greater than normal pressure.

  3. To design to resist pressure.

  4. To pressure-cook.

  5. Informal To subject to excessive stress, strain, or vexation: an executive who was pressurized by a heavy workload.

pres'sur·i·za'tion (-ər-ĭ-zā'shən) n., pres'sur·iz'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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