decompress

verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

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

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpre-shən 

noun

Synonyms of decompress

• relax

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

Evans said Collinson’s research indicates that the ability to rest and decompress at the beginning of a journey can influence the enjoyment that follows. — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Most of my downtime is trying to decompress and rest up to be ready to work. — Monica Coviello, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026

After decompressing back in Jersey for the summer, where Springsteen spent a lot of his downtime at the Stone Pony and other Asbury Park hotspots, another run of shows was booked for the fall. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026

Villa Copenhagen’s pool is one of the city’s only heated outdoor rooftop options—and is such a relaxing oasis to decompress after your travels or day of activities. — Yerin Kim, InStyle, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for decompress

• abs
• acquiesce
• authoress
• bodiless
• coalesce
• dispossess
• faithfulness
• letterpress
• mayoress
• murderess
• nonetheless
• reassess

Kids 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

decompression

-ˈpresh-ən 

noun

Medical Definition

decompress

transitive verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 

: to release from pressure or compression