compress

1 of 2

verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

compressed; compressing; compresses

transitive verb

1

: to press or squeeze together

2

: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing

compress a computer file

intransitive verb

: to undergo compression

compress

2 of 2

noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

2

: a machine for compressing

Synonyms

Verb

• capsule
• capsulize
• collapse
• compact
• condense
• constrict
• constringe
• contract
• narrow (down)
• squeeze
• telescope

Choose the Right Synonym for compress

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of compress in a Sentence

Verb

compress the air in a closed chamber

Her lips compressed into a frown.

a material that compresses easily

This type of file compresses easily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The sturdy and thick design also prevents it from compressing over time and losing its shape. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2024

Step 2: Hauling Once a bag of trash leaves the curb, it is usually loaded into a garbage truck that compresses it and transports it to its next location. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024

Call quality is middling at best, with my voice often sounding distant and compressed in a quiet space. —Mark Knapp, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024

In another video, a young seal was fully encased in the leg of torn disposable overalls that had compressed its neck, and forced its mouth permanently open. —Cara Buckley, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2024

Manufacturers compress dry medication into solid pills that are available in several shapes. —Health Editorial Team, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

By normal standards, the training of Ukraine’s pilots on the sophisticated Western jets has proceeded at lightning speed, compressing years of classroom learning, simulations and flight exercises into months. —Lara Jakes, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024

The higher frequency pulses are generated by compressing the swim bladder from the left and right in an alternating pattern. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 Feb. 2024

During the day, electricity from the local grid, some produced by nearby fields of solar cells, is used to compress the carbon dioxide into liquid. —Amos Zeeberg, New York Times, 18 Mar. 2024

Noun

Apply a warm compress to the affected areas for 10 minutes. —Jenna Demmer, Health, 13 Apr. 2024

Gently apply a cold compress, gel ice pack wrapped in a thin towel, or even a bag of frozen peas to problem areas. —Hilary Tetenbaum, Detroit Free Press, 8 Apr. 2024

To treat a rash or burn, apply a cool compress or a mild topical steroid like 1% hydrocortisone. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2024

Here’s how to make a homemade hot compress in a matter of minutes with just two basic items. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2024

Apply warm or cool compresses to ease swelling, pain, and stiffness. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 27 Oct. 2023

Other at-home remedies include cold compresses, hemorrhoid creams and applying caffeine directly to the skin. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 27 Mar. 2024

Applying a warm compress to the eye is a natural remedy for dry eyes. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 21 Mar. 2024

Pain-Relief Features: Some postpartum underwear contain special pockets to hold ice packs or warm compresses that can help minimize pain along an incision or around the perineum or lower back area. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press

Noun

Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

compress

1 of 2 verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

1

: to press or become pressed together

2

: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure

compressibility

-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

compressible

-ˈpres-ə-bəl

adjective

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

a cold compress

2

: a machine for compressing

Medical Definition

compress

1 of 2 transitive verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

1

: to press or squeeze together

a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve

2

: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing

compress air

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing

2

: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)