condense

verb con·dense \kən-ˈden(t)s\

: to make (something) shorter or smaller by removing parts that are less important

: to change from a gas into a liquid

: to remove water from (something) to make it thicker

con·densedcon·dens·ing

Full Definition of CONDENSE

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact; especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

: to undergo condensation

— con·dens·able also con·dens·ible \-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

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Origin of CONDENSE

Middle English, from Latin condensare, from com- + densare to make dense, from densus dense

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to CONDENSE

Synonyms: compress, contract, constrict, shrink

Antonyms: balloon, expand, snowball, swell

Synonym Discussion of CONDENSE

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>.