What does "turbocharge" mean?
To increase the power of (an internal combustion engine, either Otto or Diesel cycle) by compressing the inlet air with power extracted from the exhaust air (through using a turbocharger).
Turbocharge
verb, slang
verb, slang ·3 syllables ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To increase the power of (an internal combustion engine, either Otto or Diesel cycle) by compressing the inlet air with power extracted from the exhaust air (through using a turbocharger).
- Grammar: turbocharge is listed as verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: overclocking, speeds.
- Usage evidence: Six weeks after that moment, in a darkened classroom at Oceanside Community College, I would learn via an anger management class video about the cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology of rage—about how, as I reached for that wrench, my hypothalamus was instant-messaging my adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and adrenaline. How stored fat was dumping into my bloodstream for an energy turbocharge. How my heart was pumping overtime, sending a surge of blood to my muscles and lungs in preparation for what that instructional video called "the evolutionary miracle of fight-or-flight." That morning, I saw Hay and took the former option.
How to use "turbocharge"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "turbocharge" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "turbocharge" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "turbocharge" is acting as verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "overclocking" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To increase the power of (an internal combustion engine, either Otto or Diesel cycle) by compressing the inlet air with power extracted from the exhaust air (through using a turbocharger). transitive
- 2 To make faster or more powerful. colloquial, transitive
"Six weeks after that moment, in a darkened classroom at Oceanside Community College, I would learn via an anger management class video about the cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology of rage—about how, as I reached for that wrench, my hypothalamus was instant-messaging my adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and adrenaline. How stored fat was dumping into my bloodstream for an energy turbocharge. How my heart was pumping overtime, sending a surge of blood to my muscles and lungs in preparation for what that instructional video called "the evolutionary miracle of fight-or-flight." That morning, I saw Hay and took the former option."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Six weeks after that moment, in a darkened classroom at Oceanside Community College, I would learn via an anger management class video about the cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology of rage—about how, as I reached for that wrench, my hypothalamus was instant-messaging my adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and adrenaline. How stored fat was dumping into my bloodstream for an energy turbocharge. How my heart was pumping overtime, sending a surge of blood to my muscles and lungs in preparation for what that instructional video called "the evolutionary miracle of fight-or-flight." That morning, I saw Hay and took the former option."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "turbocharge"?
Common synonyms include: overclocking, speeds.
How do you use "turbocharge" in a sentence?
Six weeks after that moment, in a darkened classroom at Oceanside Community College, I would learn via an anger management class video about the cardiology, neurology, and endocrinology of rage—about how, as I reached for that wrench, my hypothalamus was instant-messaging my adrenal glands to secrete cortisol and adrenaline. How stored fat was dumping into my bloodstream for an energy turbocharge. How my heart was pumping overtime, sending a surge of blood to my muscles and lungs in preparation for what that instructional video called "the evolutionary miracle of fight-or-flight." That morning, I saw Hay and took the former option.
Etymology
From turbo- + charge.