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 This meant that a quarter of 787 Dreamliners had the potential to rapidly lose oxygen if the cabins were suddenly decompressed, suffocating passengers. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2024 Following the 49ers 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Culpo and McCaffrey traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to relax and decompress. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Some ideas: Sit in a favorite chair or spot on the couch to decompress. Listen to a favorite song. Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 1 Feb. 2024 Meditation or breathing exercises can help decompress. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 The 25-year-old molecular biologist from Houston took some time to decompress after her eviction, but finally was ready to discuss what led to her early ouster. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 17 Aug. 2023 Since her big haircut, Loretta has been decompressing in a foster home and working towards a full recovery. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 10 Nov. 2023 Those midnight runs were born as a way for colleagues to decompress and grew over the years into a way for a loyal pack of friends to connect with their community. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 26 Jan. 2024 But even more so, the alumna of Lake Norman Charter School and Wingate University desperately needed some time to decompress. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 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 19 Mar. 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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