Meaning & Definition of word "Depress"

Depress

/dɪˈprɛs/

verb:

  • 1. To make (someone) feel despondent or dejected.
    • Example: The news of the layoffs began to depress the entire staff.
  • 2. To reduce the value, activity, or quality of something.
    • Example: The economic downturn is likely to depress consumer spending.
  • 3. To push or pull (something) down to a lower position.
    • Example: He had to depress the lever to start the machine.
  • 4. To decrease or lower the intensity of something, such as a feeling, reaction, or physical state.
    • Example: The medication can depress the central nervous system.

Etymology

From Latin 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

depressing news:

bad news that causes a feeling of sadness

depressing thoughts:

thoughts that lead to feelings of sadness or low mood

press to depress:

to apply pressure to lower something

Related Words

depression:

a state of mental health characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest.

depressive:

relating to or characterized by depression.

depressed:

in a state of general unhappiness or despondency.

Slang Meanings of depress

Meaning: to bring someone down

Example Sentence: That movie was so sad, it really depressed me.

Meaning: feeling blue

Example Sentence: I've been feeling blue lately, just really depressed.