First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1compress
verb com·press \kəm-ˈpres\
: to press or squeeze (something) so that it is smaller or fills less space
: to make (something) shorter or smaller
computers : to reduce the size of (a computer file) by using special software
Full Definition of COMPRESS
transitive verb
1
: to press or squeeze together
2
: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing <compress a computer file>
intransitive verb
: to undergo compression
See compress defined for English-language learners
See compress defined for kids
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Origin of COMPRESS
Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press
Related to COMPRESS
- Synonyms
- capsule, capsulize, collapse, compact, condense, constrict, constringe, contract, narrow (down), squeeze, telescope
- Antonyms
- decompress, expand, open, outspread, outstretch
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
Rhymes with COMPRESS
abscess, access, address, aggress, assess, bench-press, caress, clothespress, coatdress, cold-press, confess, cross-dress, CS, depress, de-stress, digress, distress, drill press, egress, excess, express, finesse, fluoresce, French press, full-dress, handpress, headdress, housedress, idlesse, impress, ingress, Meknes, much less, nightdress, noblesse, no less, obsess, oppress, outguess, possess, precess, prestress, princess, process, profess, progress, recess, redress, regress, re-press, repress, shirtdress, side-dress, SS, success, sundress, suppress, tendresse, top-dress, transgress, undress, unless, web press, winepress, word stress
2compress
noun com·press \ˈkäm-ˌpres\
: a folded cloth that is pressed against a part of the body to reduce pain or stop bleeding from an injury
Full Definition of COMPRESS
1
: a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2
: a machine for compressing
See compress defined for English-language learners
Origin of COMPRESS
Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare
First Known Use: 1599
COMPRESS Defined for Kids
1compress
verb com·press \kəm-ˈpres\
com·pressedcom·press·ing
Definition of COMPRESS for Kids
1
: to press or squeeze together <compressing his lips>
2
: to reduce in size, quantity, or volume by or as if by pressure <The pump is for compressing air.>
2compress
noun com·press \ˈkäm-ˌpres\
Definition of COMPRESS for Kids
: a pad (as of folded cloth) applied firmly to a part of the body (as to stop bleeding)
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