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

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

This is a good spot to decompress between the morning hustle and the evening ahead. —Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

With her own space, Mila could decompress and get ready at her own pace, while Nathanael and I enjoyed rare pockets of alone time on our own balcony, watching the Pacific sun dip below the horizon. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 2 Apr. 2026

Viewers play them while sleeping, studying, meditating or just decompressing. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 30 Mar. 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