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

Beyond bachelorette parties, social gatherings and couples looking to decompress, Voda remains a destination for Eastern Europeans in the Los Angeles area. — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

The downside is kids might be depleted from a long day and need time to decompress. — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

The night before the show was spent at a refit, getting her hair done, and then decompressing with friends over drinks before, inevitably, running back to the Eiffel Tower. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

The content creator and comedian has been living in New York for the summer, shooting his biggest movie role to date, and riding his bike through the city is his favorite way to decompress. — Lucy Feldman, Time, 30 Sep. 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