verb
decompress
dee-kuhm-PREHS
Decompress (verb) means to reduce or remove pressure that has built up on something. Example: “Engineers decompressed the cabin gradually before opening the hatch.”
verb
1
To reduce or remove pressure that has built up on something.
"Engineers decompressed the cabin gradually before opening the hatch."
2
To restore compressed computer data to its original, uncompressed form.
"The app automatically decompresses the file once the download finishes."
3
To relax and unwind after a stressful or intense period.
"After finals week, she just wanted to decompress on the sofa with a film."
How to use decompress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo release built-up pressure — physically, digitally (unzipping a file), or mentally (unwinding).
Common pairings
decompress a file
time to decompress
decompress after work
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like decompress.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- decompresses
- Past tense
- decompressed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Engineers _____ the cabin gradually before opening the hatch.
Etymology
From de- + compress, tracing back to Latin dē- and premere ("to press").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for decompress
See all rhymes for decompress →Frequently asked questions
What does “decompress” mean?
The word “decompress” means to reduce or remove pressure that has built up on something. In plain terms, to release built-up pressure — physically, digitally (unzipping a file), or mentally (unwinding).
How do you pronounce “decompress”?
“Decompress” is pronounced dee-kuhm-PREHS (/diːkəmˈpɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “decompress” in a sentence?
Here is “decompress” used in a sentence: “Engineers decompressed the cabin gradually before opening the hatch.”
What is the opposite of “decompress”?
The opposite of “decompress” — its antonyms — is compress.
What part of speech is “decompress”?
“Decompress” is a verb.
Where does the word “decompress” come from?
The word “decompress” comes from Latin. From de- + compress, tracing back to Latin dē- and premere ("to press").
How many meanings does “decompress” have?
“Decompress” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to reduce or remove pressure that has built up on something.
