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

Many designs rely on a scramjet, or supersonic combustion ramjet, which uses the missile’s forward motion to compress incoming air before mixing it with fuel and igniting it. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

Weak investor sentiment around the companies, which were also starting to show returns on AI investment, compressed their stock multiples. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

Noun

Veterinarian Jamie Lovejoy, DVM, notes that warm compresses can be helpful for conditions like arthritis or during certain recovery stages, according to PetMD. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

Veterinarian Jamie Lovejoy, DVM, explains that warm compresses may be recommended for arthritis or certain stages of injury recovery, according to PetMD. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 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)