decompress
verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 
decompressed; decompressing; decompresses
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (something, such as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size
: to undergo release from pressure
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
The more pleasant environment, which was planned in consultation with dispatchers, includes noise dampening, an on-site gym, and private spaces to decompress from stressful incidents.
—
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The general rule of thumb suggests owners follow the 3-3-3 adjustment period, which means giving a dog three days to decompress from their previous situation, three weeks to settle and adjust to a routine and three months to feel completely at home.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
This is less of an issue with high-end reels, but with cheaper reels, constant compression can lead to a loss of memory, meaning the gears, springs, and washers lose their ability to decompress quickly.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025
The dog owner went to his sister’s house to decompress after the robbery.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025
The general rule of thumb suggests owners follow the 3-3-3 adjustment period, which means giving a dog three days to decompress from their previous situation, three weeks to settle and adjust to a routine and three months to feel completely at home.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
This is less of an issue with high-end reels, but with cheaper reels, constant compression can lead to a loss of memory, meaning the gears, springs, and washers lose their ability to decompress quickly.
—Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025
The dog owner went to his sister’s house to decompress after the robbery.
—Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Medical Definition
decompress
transitive verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres
: to release from pressure or compression
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share