Distend means to expand or enlarge in volume. Its antonyms are contract, deflate, and compress. Contract means to become smaller or decrease in size. Deflate means to let out air or reduce in pressure. Compress means to squeeze or press together. These words are often used in the context of physics or biology when referring to changes in the size of a material or an organ. For instance, when the heart contracts, its volume decreases, causing the blood to be pumped out. When a balloon is deflated, its volume decreases. When you compress a spring, its length decreases. Knowing the antonyms of distend can help to better understand the concept of volume changes.