compress
v.to press something firmly so that it becomes smaller or fits into a smaller space. You often do this with digital files to save room on your computer.
v.to reduce the volume or size of something by applying pressure; in computing, to encode information using fewer bits than the original representation. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“You can compress the files into a single folder.”
“The machine uses hydraulic power to compress scrap metal into small, manageable cubes for recycling.”
“By using advanced algorithms to compress the video data, the platform can stream high-definition content even to users with relatively slow internet connections.”
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Learners often forget that 'compress' is a regular verb requiring standard conjugation; additionally, gases expand when heated and compress when cooled or pressured.
From Middle English compressen, from Old French compresser, from Late Latin compressare (“to press hard/together”), from Latin compressus, the past participle of comprimō (“to compress”), itself from com- (“together”) + premō (“press”).
From Middle French compresse, from compresse (“to compress”), from Late Latin compressare (“to press hard/together”), from Latin compressus, the past participle of comprimō (“to compress”), itself from com- (“together”) + premō (“press”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.