PsychologyAugust 9, 2026

decompress

dee-kuhm-PRESS

Definition

To relax or relieve oneself of stress and tension after a period of intense activity.

Etymology

The word is formed from the prefix 'de-', meaning 'to reverse' or 'remove', and the Latin 'compressus', meaning 'to press together'. It originally referred to releasing physical pressure before taking on the modern psychological meaning of relaxing.

In the news

In the article, the word is used to describe the primary function of a hotel room, which should serve as a space for guests to relax and recharge after a busy day at the theme parks.

Disney’s Flagship Room Reimagining Majorly Misses the Mark

Read the full article ↗

Disney Tourist Blog

Related words

altar

A sacred table or elevated place used for religious rituals, offerings, or as a focal…

Psychology

antiseptic

Characterized by an excessively clean, sterile, or clinical appearance that lacks warmth,…

Psychology

auspicious

Conducive to success; characterized by favorable signs or promising circumstances.

Psychology

bifurcation

The division or splitting of something into two distinct parts or branches.

Psychology

censured

To express severe disapproval of someone or something, typically in a formal or public…

Psychology

cleanse

To remove negative or unwanted energy, emotions, or influences from one's environment or…

Psychology

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.