Meaning of the word depress in English

What does depress mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

depress

US /dɪˈpres/

UK /dɪˈpres/

make (someone) feel utterly dispirited or dejected

Example:

•

The gloomy weather always depresses her.

•

News of the layoffs depressed the entire team.

Synonym:

sadden discourage dishearten demoralize dispirit

push or pull (something) down to a lower position

Example:

•

You need to depress the lever to open the gate.

•

The heavy snow depressed the branches of the trees.

Synonym:

press down push down lower force down

reduce the level of activity in (something, especially an economy)

Example:

•

High interest rates can depress economic growth.

•

A lack of demand will depress prices.

Synonym:

curb restrain slow down reduce lower