Definition

A device that increases the amount of air supplied to an engine, allowing it to produce more power by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.

Example

The car was equipped with a supercharger to boost its performance on the racetrack.

Conversation

I just learned about how a supercharger can boost engine performance.

Oh really? That sounds interesting!

Yeah, it forces more air into the engine, which means more power.

I need to read up on that; it could really help with my car.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Supercharger → It is formed from "super-" (meaning above or over) and "charger" (from the Old French *charger*, meaning to load or to charge). The word "supercharger" refers to a device that loads or forces more air into an engine than it would normally intake, thus enhancing its power.

Memory Tip

Think of 'super-' meaning 'above' or 'over' and 'charger' meaning 'to load' — a supercharger is a device that loads more air into an engine to boost its power.

Visually Confused Words