decompress

verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
decompressed; decompressing; decompresses

transitive verb

1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (something, such as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size

intransitive verb

: to undergo release from pressure
especially : relax
need a week off to decompress
decompression noun

Examples of decompress in a Sentence

Once pressure was released, the vertebrae decompressed. The file must be decompressed before it can be read.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Defense experts could weigh in on his OCD causing sleep difficulties that led to that penchant for night drives to decompress. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025 Three weeks after the Oscars, and after a brief vacation to decompress, Moore is cozy in a sweatshirt and glasses at her home in Idaho, her 1 1/2-lb. Time, 16 Apr. 2025 For a teen, the everything shower might serve a dual purpose: not just to keep up with the trends the peers are trying, but also as a chance to decompress and relax. Stephanie Ganz, Parents, 17 Apr. 2025 For instance, if your spouse has just walked in after a draining day at work, give them time to decompress before bringing up something important. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompress

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decompress was in 1905

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

decompress

verb
de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size
decompression noun

Medical Definition

decompress

transitive verb
de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
: to release from pressure or compression
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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