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

Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates barely had a chance to decompress from their grueling 11-month season and MLS Cup championship. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2026

The shorter the line, the less likely there will be a melt down (and melt downs mean having to spend precious time decompressing someplace quiet, or possibly having to end the entire excursion early and going back to the hotel). —Priscilla Blossom, Parents, 2 Jan. 2026

Spend today decompressing from last night’s festivities. —Usa Today, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026

The unit offers confidential counseling, requires annual wellness checks and provides officers a space to decompress after traumatic calls. —Daniel Wilkerson, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for decompress

• abs
• acquiesce
• ancestress
• authoress
• coalesce
• dispossess
• faithfulness
• letterpress
• mayoress
• murderess
• nonetheless
• overstress

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