compress

1 of 2

verb

com·press kəm-ˈpres

compressed; compressing; compresses

Synonyms of compress next

transitive verb

: to press or squeeze together

: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing

compress a computer file

intransitive verb

: to undergo compression

compress

2 of 2

noun

com·press ˈkäm-ˌpres

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

: a machine for compressing

Choose the Right Synonym for compress

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of compress in a Sentence

Verb compress the air in a closed chamber Her lips compressed into a frown. a material that compresses easily This type of file compresses easily.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The sturdy and thick design also prevents it from compressing over time and losing its shape. —

Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Apr. 2024 Step 2: Hauling Once a bag of trash leaves the curb, it is usually loaded into a garbage truck that compresses it and transports it to its next location. —

Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compress

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press

Noun

Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of compress was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compress. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

compress

1 of 2 verb

com·press kəm-ˈpres

: to press or become pressed together

: to reduce the size, amount, or volume of by or as if by pressure

compressibility

-ˌpres-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē

noun

compressible

-ˈpres-ə-bəl

adjective

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·press ˈkäm-ˌpres

: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part

a cold compress

: a machine for compressing

Medical Definition

compress

1 of 2 transitive verb

com·press kəm-ˈpres

: to press or squeeze together

a ligament in the wrist was compressing a nerve

: to reduce in size or volume as if by squeezing

compress air

compress

2 of 2 noun

com·press ˈkäm-ˌpres

: a covering consisting usually of a folded cloth that is applied and held firmly by the aid of a bandage over a wound dressing to prevent oozing

: a folded wet or dry cloth applied firmly to a part (as to allay inflammation)

Last Updated: 29 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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compress

verb

noun

Synonyms

Examples of compress in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near compress

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition