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.
Ultimately, the full-body wiggle could help shake out the tension in your back, get your blood flowing, and decompress things a bit. Erica Sloan, SELF, 12 Sep. 2025 Sometimes, my colleagues and I would drink coffee after our midnight print deadline to decompress from the emotional tolls of covering hard news. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 12 Sep. 2025 Kaprizov spent much of his summer in Russia hiking with friends, miles from cell service, decompressing from a trying season that went from being an early Hart Trophy candidate to missing 41 games with a lower body injury. John Shipley, Twin Cities, 10 Sep. 2025 This decompressing period changed the ecosystem a lot of what’s going on [inside me]. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 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 13 Sep. 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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