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

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• de-stress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• relax
• unwind
• wind down

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

One partner might need space to decompress, while the other may crave reassurance or connection. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

So in the treatment room of their team hotel, a few Serbian basketball players ordered a drink and decompressed. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 8 Dec. 2024

After long runs, midsole foam takes time to decompress. —Kieran Alger, WIRED, 21 Dec. 2024

Dye was at home by 7 p.m. and already looking at film of the Broncos. Between game planning and physical recovery, any hopes of personal time to decompress are gone during a short week. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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