Dictionary entry

Compress

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Com‐press″ (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Compressed (?); p. pr & vb. n.Compressing.] [L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press.] 1. To press or squeeze together; to force into a narrower compass; to reduce the volume of by pressure; to compact; to condense; as, to compress air or water.

Events of centuries... compressed within the compass of a single life.

D. Webster.

The same strength of expression, though more compressed, runs through his historical harangues.

Melmoth.

2. To embrace sexually. Pope.

Syn. — To crowd; squeeze; condense; reduce; abridge.