decompress
verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 
decompressed; decompressing; decompresses
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (something, such as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size
: to undergo release from pressure
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
Viewers play them while sleeping, studying, meditating or just decompressing.
—
Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
The room, lit with flameless candles and a calming blue light, is the perfect space for folks from all walks of life to decompress in the middle of their hectic work week.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Hurley seriously considered resigning, taking a gap year to decompress, and doing some TV before jumping back into the college game or the pros.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Providing a comfortable hiding space gives cats a place to decompress and feel secure.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
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Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 2026
The room, lit with flameless candles and a calming blue light, is the perfect space for folks from all walks of life to decompress in the middle of their hectic work week.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Hurley seriously considered resigning, taking a gap year to decompress, and doing some TV before jumping back into the college game or the pros.
—Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Providing a comfortable hiding space gives cats a place to decompress and feel secure.
—Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decompress
verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size
Medical Definition
decompress
transitive verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres
: to release from pressure or compression
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