A force that pushes on or squeezes material is called compression.

Here's a breakdown:

* Compression: A force that acts to compress a material, meaning it pushes the material together, reducing its volume.

* Examples:

* Pushing down on a sponge

* A weight pressing on a spring

* The pressure exerted by a hydraulic press

Note: Compression is the opposite of tension, which is a force that pulls on a material and stretches it.