Decompress

/ˌˈdikəmˌprɛs/

IPA guide

Other forms: decompressing; decompressed; decompresses

To decompress is either to reduce physical pressure on something or to unwind and relax after a long, hard day. You might need to decompress after a four-hour study session with your math tutor.

When you compress something, you squeeze or flatten it, the way you'd compress an air mattress before rolling it up. If you decrease or let up that pressure, you decompress the air mattress. It's much more common to use this verb to mean "relax," to loosen a completely different kind of pressure. You may decompress after school by watching TV or taking your dog for a walk.

Definitions of decompress

verb
restore to its uncompressed form

“decompress data”

synonyms: uncompress

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antonyms:
compress
make more compact by or as if by pressing

type of:
reconstruct, restore
return to its original or usable and functioning condition
verb
decrease the pressure of

synonyms: depressurise, depressurize

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types:
puncture
cause to lose air pressure or collapse by piercing

type of:
adjust, correct, set
alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
verb
become less tense, rest, or take one's ease

synonyms: loosen up, relax, slow down, unbend, unwind

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types:
vege out, vegetate
engage in passive relaxation

sit back, take it easy
settle into a comfortable sitting position

type of:
change state, turn
undergo a transformation or a change of position or action

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