verb
decompress
dee-kuhm-PREHS
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
Word Forms
decompressed past tense, decompresses singular
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Etymology
From de- + compress, tracing back to Latin dē- and premere ("to press").