decompress

verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

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

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpre-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• de-stress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• relax
• unwind
• wind down

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

Whoever wins Tuesday will have to decompress, rise again for a semifinal, then figure out how to climb the sport’s current highest mountain. —Matthew Futterman, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

The spa also offers a diverse range of treatments for guests to decompress including massages, facials, and even well-being rituals for those undergoing cancer treatment. —Karla Pope, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2025

Relax: After years of hard work, give yourself permission to decompress. —Lien De Pau, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Pool your resources when necessary and schedule breaks so that everyone has a chance to decompress. —Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

decompress

verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

1

: to release from pressure or compression

2

: to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size

decompression

-ˈpresh-ən 

noun

Medical Definition

decompress

transitive verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

: to release from pressure or compression