To convert something (especially a vehicle, machine, or system) to run on or use diesel fuel instead of another energy source.
From diesel + -ize (suffix meaning 'to cause to become' or 'to treat with'). This verb form became common in mid-20th century as industries converted their equipment.
When buses were dieselized across American cities in the 1950s-60s, it not only improved efficiency but accidentally contributed to air pollution problems in urban areas—a classic unintended consequence of technological progress.
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