depressurize

especially British, de·pres·sur·ise

[dee-presh-uh-rahyz]

verb (used with object)

depressurized, depressurizing 

1. to remove the air pressure from (a pressurized compartment of an aircraft or spacecraft).

2. to relieve the tensions of; cause to relax.

   A week's vacation should depressurize me.

verb (used without object)

depressurized, depressurizing 

1. to lose air pressure.

   The airplane cabin depressurized almost instantly.

depressurize

/ dɪˈprɛʃəˌraɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to reduce the pressure of a gas inside (a container or enclosed space), as in an aircraft cabin

Other Word Forms

• depressurization noun
• depressurizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of depressurize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + pressurize

Example Sentences

Due to the lack of an airlock on the Crew Dragon, the 13-foot-wide capsule will be depressurized and exposed to space during the walk.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The piece that blew out – creating a gaping hole and rapidly depressurizing the cabin – was a door plug that some airlines use to fill a spot where an emergency exit can be installed.

Read more on Seattle Times

The pipeline was immediately shut in and depressurized after the leak alarm notification, which prevented any remaining condensate from leaving the pipeline, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Read more on Seattle Times

A MAX 9 depressurizes over Portland after a fuselage panel blows out.

Read more on Seattle Times

The refrigerator-sized hole in the aircraft caused the cabin to rapidly depressurize.

Read more on Seattle Times