What does supercharger mean?
A supercharger is a device that boosts the power of an internal-combustion engine by compressing the mixture of air and fuel before it enters the cylinders. This allows the engine to produce more power, especially at lower speeds, without relying on the exhaust gases that power a turbocharger. The word is also used figuratively for a person, action, or thing that gives energy and momentum to a person, organization, or project. In this broader use, it suggests a powerful enhancement rather than a modest improvement. The mechanical term is standard in automotive and engineering contexts, while the figurative use is informal but common in journalism, business, and everyday speech.
A device that increases the power of an internal-combustion engine by compressing intake air; more broadly, something that provides a strong boost.
"The engine's supercharger helped the car overtake the truck."
In the figurative sense, the term is informal and usually implies a substantial increase in performance, confidence, or activity.
To give something or someone a powerful increase in energy, performance, or effectiveness.
"A series of successful concerts supercharged the festival."
This verbal use is informal and especially common in journalism, business, and promotional language.
The plural is used for individual engine devices and, figuratively, for people or things that act as a strong boost.
"The engineers installed three superchargers on the modified engines."
A supercharger gives an engine more power without relying on the exhaust-driven technology of a turbocharger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supercharger come from?
The word combines the prefix super-, meaning beyond or to an excessive degree, with charger, a noun associated with supplying or restoring power. Supercharger was originally used for a device that intensified the electrical charge in an early form of telegraphy, before the term became established for mechanical engine-boosting devices. Its figurative use for an energizing influence developed by analogy with those mechanical and electrical functions.
Related word forms
How supercharger is actually used
The mechanical sense is technical but widely understood among motorists. The figurative sense is informal and often implies a pronounced increase in energy, performance, or enthusiasm.
Easily confused with supercharger
A charger replenishes electrical power, usually by connecting a device to an electrical supply, whereas a supercharger increases engine power by compressing intake air.
A supercharger is driven mechanically by the engine, while a turbocharger uses energy from the engine's exhaust gases to drive its compressor.