depressurize

American  

[dee-presh-uh-rahyz] / diˈprɛʃ əˌraɪz /

especially British, depressurise

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.

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verb (used without object)

depressurized, depressurizing

1. to lose air pressure.

   The airplane cabin depressurized almost instantly.

depressurize British  

/ dɪˈprɛʃəˌraɪz /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• depressurization
  noun
• depressurizer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of depressurize

First recorded in 1940–45; de- + pressurize

Explanation

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."

Example Sentences

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2024

Ntuk said Monday’s site inspection served a dual purpose to allow contractors to preview the site and prepare bids so they can safely depressurize the wells.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2022

I have resorted to teaching strategies like “ungrading” and open-ended final projects in order to depressurize the classroom and allow my students to relax and enjoy learning.

From Slate • Feb. 15, 2022

For instance, a detailed energy audit often involves temporarily installing a special blower at a door, to depressurize your house.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2021

It's a complicated process, but it detaches the bedroom without having to depressurize the rover cabin.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir