decompress

American  

[dee-kuhm-pres] / ˌdi kəmˈprɛs /

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to undergo decompression.

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verb (used without object)

1. to undergo decompression.

2. Informal. to relax; unwind.

decompress British  

/ ˌdiːkəmˈprɛs /

verb

1. to relieve (a substance) of pressure or (of a substance) to be relieved of pressure

2. to return (a diver, caisson worker, etc) to a condition of normal atmospheric pressure gradually from a condition of increased pressure or (of a diver, etc) to be returned to such a condition

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Usage

What does decompress mean? Decompress means to release or reduce pressure.This literal meaning of decompress can be used in several contexts. Divers who’ve spent time in deep water decompress by coming up slowly. Divers and other underwater workers sometimes decompress by using a decompression chamber. The goal of these processes is to return the body to normal atmospheric pressure in order to avoid decompression sickness.In a medical context, to decompress is to release pressure in the body, such as from inside the skull through surgery.Decompress can also be used in a figurative way meaning to relax or unwind. This sense of the word likens stress to pressure within the body that needs to be released. A close synonym is destress. An even more informal way of saying this is blow off steam.In all senses of the word, the process of decompressing is called decompression.Example: Yoga really helps me to decompress after a stressful day at work.

Other Word Forms

• decompression noun
• decompressive adjective

Etymology

Origin of decompress

1900–05; translation of French décomprimer. See de-, compress

Example Sentences

It was a trade-off worthy of discussion, but Podila was adamant: “I want to decompress on the train.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 25, 2026

“It’s just a space to decompress without pretending everything’s fine,” Harper said.

From Slate • Oct. 30, 2025

A sonic boom occurs when an aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, generating shockwaves that rapidly compress and decompress the air, producing an explosive noise.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

Playing and making music, Ramsey shares, are among the things they turn to in order to decompress.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2025

They encouraged me to take as much time as I needed to relax and decompress after a crazy Olympic experience.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad