I. kəm-ˈpres verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin compressare to press hard, frequentative of Latin comprimere to compress, from com- + premere to press — more at press
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to press or squeeze together
2. : to reduce in size, quantity, or volume as if by squeezing
compress a computer file
intransitive verb
: to undergo compression
Synonyms: see contract
II. ˈkäm-ˌpres noun
Etymology: Middle French compresse, from compresser to compress, from Late Latin compressare
Date: 1599
1. : a folded cloth or pad applied so as to press upon a body part
2. : a machine for compressing