depressurize

/diˌprɛʃəˈraɪz/

Other forms: depressurized; depressurizing; depressurizes

To depressurize is to let up on the force of something, especially a liquid or a gas. An astronaut must make sure that her protective spacesuit doesn't depressurize when she's performing a space walk.

Depressurize means to slow or completely stop some kind of pressure, and this verb is almost always used to describe a halt in the flow of air, oxygen, or a liquid of some kind. In movies, when a plane or spacecraft depressurizes, there's a sudden, dangerous drop in breathable air. On a commercial airplane, individual oxygen masks are available in case of such an event. The Latin root of depressurize means "to press."

Definitions of depressurize

1. verb

   decrease the pressure of
   “depressurize the cabin in the air plane”

   synonyms: decompress, depressurise

   antonyms:

   pressurize

   increase the pressure in or of

   types:

   puncture

   cause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing

   type of:

   adjust, correct, set

   alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard