decompress

/,di:kəm'pres/

Thân thiện

He likes to decompress by reading a book in his favorite armchair.

Definition

1. Verb (Transitive):

   • To decrease the pressure of; to release from pressure or compression: To reduce the physical force exerted on something, often by allowing gas or liquid to escape from a confined space.
   • To restore (compressed data) to its original form: To convert digitally compressed information back into a usable format.

2. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To become less tense; to relax mentally or physically: To release stress or tension, often after a period of work or pressure.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Transitive):
  • The diver must decompress slowly to avoid getting the bends. (Here, 'decompress' means to reduce the pressure of gases in the body.)
  • The software will automatically decompress the archived files. (Here, 'decompress' means to restore compressed data.)
• Verb (Intransitive):
  • After the stressful meeting, I need a few minutes to decompress. (Here, 'decompress' means to relax and release mental tension.)

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In computing, 'decompress' is often used with specific algorithms (e.g., 'decompress using ZIP').
  • The system failed to decompress the corrupted file.
• Medical/Diving Context: Refers to a controlled physiological process.
  • The treatment chamber helps patients decompress safely.

Variants and Related Words

• Decompression (n): The process or result of decompressing.
  • The diver underwent decompression.
  • Data decompression is instantaneous.
• Decompressive (adj): Relating to or causing decompression.
  • The surgeon performed a decompressive craniectomy.

Synonyms

• For "relax": Unwind, loosen up, chill out.
• For "depressurize": Vent, release pressure.
• For "restore data": Unpack, unzip, extract.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

• Decompress from (something): To relax after a specific stressful activity or period.
  • It took him a week to decompress from the intense project.

Related Idioms

• "Time to decompress": A common phrase indicating a needed period for relaxation.
  • The weekend is my time to decompress.

Học thuật

Verb

1. become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
   • He relaxed in the hot tub
   • Let's all relax after a hard day's work
2. decrease the pressure of
   • depressurize the cabin in the air plane
3. restore to its uncompressed form
   • decompress data

Từ đồng nghĩa

• relax
• loosen up
• unbend
• unwind
• slow down
• depressurize
• depressurise
• uncompress