pressurize

/ˌprɛʃəˈraɪz/

Other forms: pressurized; pressurizing

To pressurize a gas is to artificially raise the amount of force with which its molecules are pressing against each other.

Before doctors give patients gasses like nitrous oxide or oxygen, they must first be pressurized inside a canister. In order to use them safely, their pressure is adjusted to a precise level. A similar procedure is done in the cabin of an airplane; for the air to be safe at high altitudes, engineers had to figure out how to pressurize it. The plane's engines heat and compress the air, raising its pressure — which means more oxygen for passengers to breathe.

Definitions of pressurize

1. verb

   maintain a certain pressure
   “the airplane cabin is pressurized”

   “pressurize a space suit”

   synonyms: pressurise

   type of:

   hold, keep, maintain

   keep in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., "keep clean"
2. verb

   increase the pressure on a gas or liquid
   synonyms: pressurise, supercharge

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
3. verb

   increase the pressure in or of
   “The captain will pressurize the cabin for the passengers' comfort”

   synonyms: pressurise

   antonyms:

   depressurize

   decrease the pressure of

   type of:

   adjust, correct, set

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