The term for when a physical force presses inward on an object, causing it to become compacted, is called a compression force (or compressive force). This type of force acts to squash or compact the object, reducing its volume or length along the direction of the force. The object undergoing compression may experience temporary or permanent deformation depending on its material properties and the amount of force applied. Compression force is a common concept in physics and engineering, often discussed in the context of materials and structural behavior under load.