depress

[ dih-pres ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make sad or gloomy; lower in spirits; deject; dispirit.

   Synonyms: sadden, discourage, dishearten

2. to lower in force, vigor, activity, etc.; weaken; make dull.
3. to lower in amount or value.

   Synonyms: cheapen, devalue

4. to put into a lower position:

   to depress the muzzle of a gun.

   Antonyms: elevate, raise

5. to press down.
6. Music. to lower in pitch.

depress

/ dɪˈprɛs /

verb

1. to lower in spirits; make gloomy; deject
2. to weaken or lower the force, vigour, or energy of
3. to lower prices of (securities or a security market)
4. to press or push down
5. to lower the pitch of (a musical sound)
6. obsolete.
   to suppress or subjugate

Derived Forms

• deˈpressible, adjective

Other Words From

• de·pressi·ble adjective
• de·pressi·bili·ty noun
• over·de·press verb (used with object)
• unde·pressi·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of depress¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English depressen, from Anglo-French, Old French depresser, from Latin dēpressus “pressed down” (past participle of dēprimere, equivalent to de- de- + -primere, combining form of premere “to press”); pressure

Word History and Origins

Origin of depress¹

C14: from Old French depresser, from Latin dēprimere from de- + premere to press ¹

Synonym Study

See oppress.

Example Sentences

I think her strategy to focus the final two months of her campaign on reaching out to erstwhile moderate Republicans will backfire and depress turnout, among young voters in particular.

From Slate

If Donald Trump loses the election in November, it will almost certainly depress the careers of the pardoned loyalists.

From Slate

Some economists argue that any boost to the local economy is offset by price increases and congestion that depress normal tourist volumes.

From Los Angeles Times

Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, said even if cities do nothing, Proposition 33 could depress construction at least somewhat, because some developers may fear that municipalities will later change their minds and subject their properties to strict controls.

From Los Angeles Times

In response to Fat Joe raising the impact of misinformation on the election, Harris responded that it’s a purposeful attempt to depress the vote.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• afflict
• beat down
• bother
• damp
• dampen
• daunt
• discourage
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• disturb
• dull
• lower
• reduce
• sadden
• sap
• slow
• trouble
• upset
• weaken