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Definition of decompress

decompress

/ˌdiːkəmˈprɛs/
de · com · press
Adjective:decompressed
•
Past Simple:decompressed
•
Past Participle:decompressed
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Present Participle:decompressing
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decompress Lexical Profile

decompress Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To relax and release mental tension or stress, especially after a demanding or high-pressure experience.

Example

"After finishing her final medical school exams, she spent the weekend hiking in the mountains to decompress."

2

To relieve or reduce the physical pressure on something, or to return someone (such as a deep-sea diver) gradually to normal atmospheric pressure.

Example

"The commercial divers had to decompress in a specialized chamber for several hours after ascending from the ocean floor."

3

To restore a compressed digital file or dataset to its original size and usable form.

Example

"You will need to decompress the downloaded archive before you can install the software on your computer."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for decompress

• Rhymes for decompress

• Nearby Words

decompose
decomposer
decomposition
decompress
decompression
decongest
decongestant

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century by attaching the reversing prefix 'de-' to 'compress' (from Latin 'compressare', meaning to press together), originally to describe the gradual reduction of air pressure for deep-sea divers and caisson workers.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Decompress. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/decompress
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