verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

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

To squeeze or press something into a smaller space.

"The vacuum bag compresses the clothes to save space."

(computing) To reduce the size of a digital file by encoding it more efficiently.

"You can compress the video before emailing it."

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishTo squeeze into less space, or a cloth pad pressed on an injury.

Easily confused with

compression → compressor →

Common pairings

compress a file cold compress compress air

Word forms

compressed past tense, compresses plural, compresses singular

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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").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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astringe compact telescope compactify condense densitize pack press mash scrunch smush squoosh

Antonyms

decompact decompactify decompress expand uncompress densen

Related words

little small short press increase contract grow ring

Rhymes for compress

decompress

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.

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