decompress

verb

de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
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 noun

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
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.
Set up a group activity Experts tell Fortune another way to decompress amid a tense election cycle is to bring workers together in a positive way. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024 Take this opportunity to decompress and take stock of your inner landscape, because Mars will return to Cancer while retrograde in January, and your training montage will resume at that point—just maybe without so much of the relational intensity and shadowy opponents. Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2024 Doing this harnesses the power of gravity to help decompress your spine, Richard Sanchez, NASM-CPT, a personal trainer for Crunch Fitness in New York City, tells SELF. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 22 Oct. 2024 Introducing or promoting the use of mental health days encourages employees to take time off to decompress and recharge. Cynthia McEwen, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decompress 

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decompress was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near decompress

Cite this Entry

“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

decompress

verb
de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size
decompression noun

Medical Definition

decompress

transitive verb
de·​com·​press ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce decompress (audio)
: to release from pressure or compression
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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