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

Dreyer, desperate for a moment of peace, decided to hop in the shower before dinner to decompress. —Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026

Swim, walk the shore or simply decompress. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

With six bedrooms for up to 10 guests, the sprawling Italian villa is a stunning place to commune while offering each visitor an area to decompress on their own. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2026

Scientists say taking brief moments to decompress during the workday and after can improve mood, sharpen focus and boost energy levels. —ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026

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