pressurize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. More common in written English and specific technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “pressurize” mean?
To apply pressure, especially to make someone do something or to maintain atmospheric pressure in an enclosed space.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To apply pressure, especially to make someone do something or to maintain atmospheric pressure in an enclosed space.
To subject (a person or situation) to strong psychological pressure; to artificially maintain a higher atmospheric pressure in a cabin or container.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British spelling is typically 'pressurise', while American English uses 'pressurize'. Both forms are understood in both regions.
Connotations
The psychological sense is more common in British media in phrases like 'pressurised environment' or 'to feel pressurised'. The American technical/aviation usage is equally strong.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English for the psychological meaning; similar frequency in both dialects for the technical meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “pressurize” in a Sentence
[SVO]: They pressurized him to resign.[SVOA]: The cabin is pressurized for safety.[SVOA] (passive): She felt pressurized by the demands.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pressurize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They tried to pressurise the committee into changing its decision.
- The cabin is pressurised once the plane reaches cruising altitude.
American English
- The coach should not pressurize young athletes to perform.
- The spacesuit is pressurized to protect the astronaut.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) The system functioned pressurisedly.
American English
- (Rarely used) The chamber was pressurizingly slow to fill.
adjective
British English
- A pressurised water reactor is used in some nuclear power stations.
- It's a highly pressurised sales environment.
American English
- The pressurized cabin allows for comfortable flight.
- He works in a pressurized corporate culture.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Management should not pressurize employees into working excessive overtime.
Academic
The study examined how peer groups can pressurize adolescents into conforming.
Everyday
Don't let them pressurize you into making a quick decision.
Technical
The aircraft must pressurize the cabin above 10,000 feet.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pressurize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pressurize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pressurize”
- Using 'pressurize' as a direct synonym for 'ask' (it's much stronger).
- Misspelling: 'presurize' (missing an 's').
- Incorrect object: 'They pressurized to him' instead of 'They pressurized him'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Pressurize' is the standard American spelling. 'Pressurise' is the standard British spelling. Both are correct within their respective dialects.
They are largely synonymous in the psychological sense. 'Pressure' (verb) is more common in everyday American English (e.g., 'They pressured him to quit'). 'Pressurize' is more formal and is the required term for the technical meaning of maintaining air pressure.
Rarely. It almost always carries a neutral-to-negative connotation of coercion or force. A positive forcing might be described as 'motivate' or 'encourage'.
For the act/state: 'pressurization' (technical) or 'pressure' (psychological). For the condition of being subjected to pressure: 'pressurization' (e.g., cabin pressurization) or simply 'pressure'.
To apply pressure, especially to make someone do something or to maintain atmospheric pressure in an enclosed space.
Pressurize is usually neutral to formal. more common in written english and specific technical contexts. in register.
Pressurize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpreʃəraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpreʃəˌraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to pressurize someone into a corner”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PRESSURE + IZE (to make) = to make pressure on someone or something.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESSURE IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'They put the squeeze on him', 'She caved under the pressure').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pressurize' used in its TECHNICAL sense?