compress

1 of 2

verb

com·​press kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
compressed; compressing; compresses
Synonyms of compressnext

transitive verb

1
: to press or squeeze together
2
: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing
compress a computer file

intransitive verb

: to undergo compression

compress

2 of 2

noun

com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2
: a machine for compressing

Synonyms

Verb

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for compress

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of compress in a Sentence

Verb compress the air in a closed chamber Her lips compressed into a frown. a material that compresses easily This type of file compresses easily.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Depending on the location, a fibroma may compress surrounding structures. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Nov. 2024 This design not only reduces weight but can also compress upon impact to increase power and shock absorption. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Apply a cool compress: Wet a towel with cold water and apply it to the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes, as needed to manage the itching. Take an oatmeal bath: An oatmeal bath can also relieve itch. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024 Move the person to a cooler area, hydrate, remove excess clothing and put cold compresses (a wet towel or shirt or an icepack) on hands, feet, armpits, neck and forehead. —Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 19 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compress 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press

Noun

Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compress was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near compress

compresent

compress

compressed

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compress. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

compress

1 of 2 verb
com·​press kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
1
: to press or become pressed together
2
: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure
compressibility
-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun
compressible
-ˈpres-ə-bəl
adjective

compress

2 of 2 noun
com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
a cold compress
2
: a machine for compressing

Medical Definition

compress

1 of 2 transitive verb
com·​press kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
1
: to press or squeeze together
a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve
2
: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing
compress air

compress

2 of 2 noun
com·​press ˈkäm-ˌpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
1
: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing
2
: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

Nglish: Translation of compress for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of compress for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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