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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then decompress with an afternoon of hot and cool outdoor pools and a massage at Refuge Spa or a stroll through the shops at Carmel Valley Village. Tim Chester, AFAR Media, 29 July 2025 Long hours, little pay, getting high in his downtime to decompress. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025 According to Herbert, the team is still decompressing from the show’s reception and is only now beginning to reconnect creatively as a unit again. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 23 June 2025 Most, if not all, shelters offer a trial adoption to see if the animal is a good fit, or a short-term foster, which is an opportunity for the animal to decompress away from the shelter for a little while. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for decompress

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.

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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