compress

1 of 2

verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

compressed; compressing; compresses

transitive verb

1

: to press or squeeze together

2

: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing

compress a computer file

intransitive verb

: to undergo compression

compress

2 of 2

noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

2

: a machine for compressing

Synonyms of compress

Verb

• condense
• squeeze

Choose the Right Synonym for compress

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of compress in a Sentence

Verb

compress the air in a closed chamber

Her lips compressed into a frown.

a material that compresses easily

This type of file compresses easily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The incoming airflow is compressed by the engine’s geometry rather than by a conventional compressor. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 20 Sep. 2026

The impressive density of this overload, which embraces the possibilities of relatively new technology to find novel ways to deliver and compress context, diminishes as Carter is drawn to Japan by Izumi Adachi (Kiko Mizuhara). — Vadim Rizov, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Noun

When a close compresses from weeks to days or a forecast updates in hours, finance can operate on current information instead of stale results. — Hemant Kapadia, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026

But these days, a wide range of treatments are available that can offer relief — from at-home remedies like warm compresses and over-the-counter eye drops to prescription medications. — Maria Godoy, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press

Noun

Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

compress

1 of 2 verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

1

: to press or become pressed together

2

: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure

compressibility

-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

compressible

-ˈpres-ə-bəl

adjective

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

a cold compress

2

: a machine for compressing

Medical Definition

compress

1 of 2 transitive verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres 

1

: to press or squeeze together

a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve

2

: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing

compress air

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres 

1

: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing

2

: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)