deˈpressurize, v.
[f. de- II + pressurize v.]
trans. To cause an appreciable drop in the pressure of the gas inside (a container, etc.), esp. to a natural level from an artificially sustained level (in quot. 1960, to subject to decompression: cf. decompress v. a). So deˈpressurized ppl. a.
| 1944 Aviation July 278/3 While in action, the cabin is de-pressurized and demand oxygen employed. 1947 Jrnl. R. Aeronaut. Soc. LI. 972/1 This altitude was the maximum at which it was reasonably possible for a fit pilot to retain sufficient control to make a normal descent, should the cabin for any reason become de-pressurised. 1958 Daily Mail 12 Nov. 4/5 There was a hissing sound as Larry helped him depressurise the airlock. 1960 Koestler Lotus & Robot vi. 188 They cannot go back into the pressure chamber to dissolve the bubbles by getting gradually depressurized. 1963 Times 24 May 12/7 An Aer-Lingus Viscount..made an emergency dive of 12,000 ft. today after a door unfastened and the passenger cabin became depressurized. |