decompress
verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres 
decompressed; decompressing; decompresses
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (something, such as a compressed file or signal) to an expanded or original size
: to undergo release from pressure
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
The cave itself is a form of thalassotherapy, using warm saltwater to help guests decompress in a setting reminiscent of a cenote, nearly 20 feet underground.
—
Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
The two of us would go out and get a pizza crunch and hang out on a Friday night and decompress and chat about the scene.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Plans may shift and motivation may waver, so use this time to take a step back, decompress and let the day settle.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Free and Cozy Spots to Recharge When the budget is a factor or everyone just needs to decompress, head to the Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
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Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
The two of us would go out and get a pizza crunch and hang out on a Friday night and decompress and chat about the scene.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Plans may shift and motivation may waver, so use this time to take a step back, decompress and let the day settle.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
Free and Cozy Spots to Recharge When the budget is a factor or everyone just needs to decompress, head to the Seattle Public Library’s Central Branch.
—Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for decompress
Cite this Entry
“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decompress. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
decompress
verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres
1
: to release from pressure or compression
2
: to convert (as a computer file) from compressed form to an expanded or original size
Medical Definition
decompress
transitive verb
de·com·press
ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres
: to release from pressure or compression
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