# compress

/ˈkɑmpɹɛs/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/compress
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The air compress when heated." but "The air compresses when cooled." — Learners often forget that 'compress' is a regular verb requiring standard conjugation; additionally, gases expand when heated and compress when cooled or pressured.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.