What does supercharging mean?
Supercharging is chiefly the process of increasing an internal-combustion engine's power by forcing a denser charge of air into its cylinders. It may be achieved through a mechanically driven or exhaust-driven compressor, although the latter process is more specifically called turbocharging. The word also has a figurative meaning: something can be supercharged when its energy, excitement, performance, or effectiveness is greatly intensified. In that sense, the term frequently appears in reporting and promotional language and can suggest remarkable power or heightened excitement. Although supercharging traditionally refers to forced induction, it is now sometimes used more loosely to describe any substantial increase in performance. The word is readily distinguished from turbocharging by its broader application: a turbocharger is one specific type of supercharger.
The process or technology of increasing an engine's power by forcing additional air into its cylinders.
"Supercharging allows the engine to burn more fuel with each cycle."
This is the principal technical sense. The specific form using an exhaust-driven turbine is generally called turbocharging.
A figurative increase in speed, power, effectiveness, energy, or excitement.
"The team made two late substitutions that supercharged its attacking play."
This extended use is common in journalism, sport, marketing, and informal speech.
Usually used as a mass noun rather than in the plural; plural forms are uncommon.
"The article discusses superchargings that improve the performance of racing engines."
Supercharging turns an ordinary engine into a high-performance machine by packing its cylinders with extra air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does supercharging come from?
The word is formed from the prefix super-, meaning beyond or to an excessive degree, and the verb charge, which in this context refers to supplying an engine with air or fuel for combustion. The related noun supercharger was developed in the early 20th century for racing and aircraft engines. English charge, charger, discharge, and recharge all share the same wider Latin and French word family.
Related word forms
How supercharging is actually used
The automotive sense is technical, while the figurative sense is common in journalism, marketing, and informal speech. In British English, the vowel in the second syllable is usually transcribed as /ɑː/; in American English, it is commonly /ɑːr/.
Easily confused with supercharging
Supercharging is the broader process or technology, while turbocharging specifically uses a turbine-driven exhaust compressor to force air into an engine.