decompress

/ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres/ (ame, mw)

decompress — verb

  • decompresspresent simple I / you / we / they
  • decompresseshe / she / it
  • decompressedpast simple
  • decompressing-ing form

1. to change a compressed file, folder, signal, or other stored data back to its or

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to change a compressed file, folder, signal, or other stored data back to its original size so it can be opened or used normally.

例句

Bao used a free app to decompress the photo files from the email attachment.

decompress + [digital file] in computing context

Hari had to decompress the folder before the design team could view it.

同義詞
  • unzip

    Common for .zip files in everyday computing.

  • extract

    Often emphasizes taking files out of an archive.

  • unpack

    Broader and slightly less technical than decompress.

反義詞
  • compress

    Reduce a file or signal to a smaller size.

  • zip

    Everyday verb for putting files into a zip archive.

文法句型

decompress + [file/folder/archive]

[program/app] + decompresses + [file]

用法筆記

Usually used transitively in computing contexts, with objects such as files, folders, archives, packages, or data. English often uses extract when the focus is taking the contents out rather than restoring the compressed item itself.

常見錯誤

❌I decompressed the report before reading it.
✅I decompressed the file before opening the report.
💡You decompress digital data, not the ideas inside a document.

2. to become less tense after a stressful period by resting or doing something that

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to become less tense after a stressful period by resting or doing something that helps your mind settle down.

例句

After the hospital shift, Quan sat by the river to decompress.

decompress after + stressful period

Nala needs half an hour alone to decompress after crowded family gatherings.

同義詞
  • unwind

    Suggests easing out of tension little by little.

  • relax

    Broader and more neutral than decompress.

  • switch off

    Informal; focuses on mentally disengaging from work.

反義詞
  • tense up

    Become tighter and more nervous instead of calmer.

  • stress out

    Informal; become overwhelmed by pressure.

文法句型

decompress + after + [stressful event]

decompress + from + [stress source]

decompress + by + [activity]

用法筆記

Used for a person recovering from pressure, work, or emotional strain, and it is normally intransitive in this meaning. It often suggests a deliberate pause after intense stress, stronger than simply relax.

常見錯誤

❌My sister decompressed me by making tea.
✅My sister helped me decompress by making tea.
💡In this sense, a person usually decompresses themselves, so use help someone decompress for support.

3. to let air or gas pressure drop back to a safer or more normal level, or to make

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to let air or gas pressure drop back to a safer or more normal level, or to make a person, container, or space do this.

例句

The divers waited to decompress slowly before climbing back onto the boat.

intransitive: decompress after a dive

Ziad opened the valve to decompress the tank before the repair work began.

transitive: decompress + [tank/chamber]

同義詞
  • depressurize

    More technical and often exact in engineering contexts.

  • vent

    Focuses on letting gas escape through an opening.

反義詞
  • pressurize

    Raise the pressure inside a space or container.

  • compress

    Make gas or another substance occupy less space.

文法句型

decompress + [tank/chamber/cabin]

[person/container] + decompresses

decompress + after + [dive/flight]

用法筆記

Common in diving, aviation, and engineering contexts. It can be intransitive when a person or container returns to lower pressure, or transitive when someone actively releases that pressure.

常見錯誤

❌He decompressed the suitcase before packing it.
✅He decompressed the air tank before moving it.
💡This sense is about lowering gas pressure, not making an ordinary object less full.