compress
kuhm-PREHS
Compress (verb) means to squeeze or press something into a smaller space. Example: “The vacuum bag compresses the clothes to save space.”
verb
1
To squeeze or press something into a smaller space.
"The vacuum bag compresses the clothes to save space."
2
(computing) To reduce the size of a digital file by encoding it more efficiently.
"You can compress the video before emailing it."
noun
1
A folded pad of cloth, sometimes cold or warmed, pressed against part of the body to relieve pain or swelling.
"She applied a cold compress to her swollen ankle."
How to use compress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo squeeze into less space, or a cloth pad pressed on an injury.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
compress a file
cold compress
compress air
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Word forms
- Plural
- compresses
- Third person singular
- compresses
- Past tense
- compressed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The vacuum bag _____ the clothes to save space.
Etymology
From Latin compressus, past participle of comprimere, "to press together," from com- + premere ("to press").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for compress
See all rhymes for compress →Frequently asked questions
What does “compress” mean?
The word “compress” means to squeeze or press something into a smaller space. In plain terms, to squeeze into less space, or a cloth pad pressed on an injury.
How do you pronounce “compress”?
“Compress” is pronounced kuhm-PREHS (/kəmˈpɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “compress” in a sentence?
Here is “compress” used in a sentence: “The vacuum bag compresses the clothes to save space.”
What is another word for “compress”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compress” include astringe, compact, telescope, compactify, condense and densitize.
What is the opposite of “compress”?
The opposite of “compress” — its antonyms — are decompact, decompactify, decompress, expand and uncompress.
What part of speech is “compress”?
Depending on how it is used, “compress” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “compress” come from?
The word “compress” comes from Latin. From Latin compressus, past participle of comprimere, "to press together," from com- + premere ("to press").
Is “compress” a common word?
“Compress” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
