compress
She used a machine to compress the files into a smaller folder.
The files were reduced in size by applying pressure or squeezing them together.
To press or squeeze something so that it takes up less space.
The machine compresses air to power the tool.
The tool is operated by forcing air into a smaller volume.
Common in technical, medical, and digital contexts.
To reduce the volume, size, or duration of something.
The video was compressed to make it easier to upload.
The video file size was reduced to facilitate faster sharing.
Often used in digital media (images, videos, audio).
In medicine, to apply pressure to a part of the body to stop bleeding or reduce swelling.
The nurse applied a cold compress to the injured area to compress the swelling.
Pressure was gently applied to reduce inflammation in the affected tissue.
A compress is also a pad applied to the body in this context.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish 'compress' from 'condense'
'Compress' implies physical pressure or squeezing (e.g., compressing air), while 'condense' often refers to reducing volume through cooling or chemical processes (e.g., condensing steam into water).
Gold Rule
Use 'compress' for physical reduction
When describing the act of pressing or squeezing something to make it smaller (e.g., 'compress the sponge'), use 'compress.'
Use 'compress' in digital contexts
In technology, 'compress' refers to reducing the size of files (e.g., 'compress a video').
Word Origin
From Latin *compressare*, frequentative of *comprimere* (to press together), from *com-* (together) + *premere* (to press).
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'compress' often implies reducing size or volume through external pressure. In digital contexts, it specifically refers to encoding data to use less storage space.