Unpressurizes

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To decrease the pressure in a specific system or vessel, allowing any trapped air or gas to escape
2. To release the built-up pressure inside a confined area or container, allowing air or gas to flow out safely
3. To lower the internal pressure within a sealed system by letting gas escape, thus equalizing the pressure with the surrounding environment

Etymology: "Unpressurizes" is a straightforward formation: the verb "pressurize" with the reversing prefix "un-" and the third-person singular ending "-s." "Pressurize" was formed in English from "pressure," which itself came into English in the 14th century from Old French "presseure," from Latin "pressura," a derivative of "premere," "to press." The "-ize" suffix, from Greek through Latin, turns a noun into a verb meaning "to subject to" or "to make into," so "pressurize" meant to put under pressure, most notably in aviation and engineering, where cabins and tanks are kept at a set pressure. The prefix "un-" here works as a reversal, so "unpressurize" means to release the pressure that was previously applied. Its earliest uses are technical, describing aircraft cabins and sealed containers that are opened to the outside air. The verb is recent in general usage and is attested mainly in the 20th century, as aviation made the idea of controlled pressure common.

Synonyms: decompresses, ventilates, equalizes, relaxes, liberates