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

With the Liverpool block decompressed, Rodri turns, opening a passing option to Bernardo, which triggers a forward sequence from City into the space that’s been created. —Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 27 May 2026

The better reason to stay here is to spend three days decompressing. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

To decompress in the evening after work, flick on an amber lamp (amber bulbs are available at the hardware store). —Petra Guglielmetti, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2026

There's still some decompressing to do. —Ren Clayton, CBS News, 19 May 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