Entry Word: compress

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together <a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters>

Synonyms compact, condense, constrict, contract, squeeze

Related Words cram, crowd, jam, jam-pack, pack; abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten; downsize, shrink; concentrate, consolidate; simplify, streamline; decrease, diminish, lessen

Near Antonyms disperse, dissipate, scatter; distend, inflate, swell

Antonyms expand, open, outspread, outstretch

2 to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter <the material can compress under pressure> — see contract 2