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 Allowing students time to decompress after the drill is also helpful, Gurwitch said. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2024 Tropical garden grounds give guests a relaxing place to get away and decompress after a day out sightseeing. Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024 Kerr made the concerted decision to bring Thompson off the bench right before the All-Star break in order to give the five-time All-Star time to process and decompress the sudden change. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024 Reunited, Booth and Brennan decompressed by singing together at the diner, as partners do. Kelly Connolly, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2024 Having a safe space, a place to decompress and fully feel rested is the ultimate self-care tip. Debra Edwards, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 To decompress after that tendon-tiring exercise, head down the block to Victory Point Cafe. Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2024 Was that how Boone would personally decompress—meditation, reading self-help books, and spa days? Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024 Nvidia also included systems to help keep AI models secure and to decompress data to speed database queries and data analytics. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'decompress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near decompress

Cite this Entry

“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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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