depression Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity
  2. noun a long-term economic state characterized by unemployment and low prices and low levels of trade and investment
    slump; economic crisis.
  3. noun a sunken or depressed geological formation
    natural depression.
  4. noun sad feelings of gloom and inadequacy
  5. noun a period during the 1930s when there was a worldwide economic depression and mass unemployment
    Great Depression.
  6. noun an air mass of lower pressure; often brings precipitation
    low.
    • a low moved in over night bringing sleet and snow
  7. noun a state of depression and anhedonia so severe as to require clinical intervention
    depressive disorder; clinical depression.
  8. noun a concavity in a surface produced by pressing
    imprint; impression.
    • he left the impression of his fingers in the soft mud
  9. noun angular distance below the horizon (especially of a celestial object)
  10. noun pushing down
    • depression of the space bar on the typewriter

WordNet

De*pres"sion noun
Etymology
L. depressio: cf. F. dépression.
Definitions
  1. The act of depressing.
  2. The state of being depressed; a sinking.
  3. A falling in of the surface; a sinking below its true place; a cavity or hollow; as, roughness consists in little protuberances and depressions.
  4. Humiliation; abasement, as of pride.
  5. Dejection; despondency; lowness.
    In a great depression of spirit. Baker.
  6. Diminution, as of trade, etc.; inactivity; dullness.
  7. (Astron.) The angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon.
  8. (Math.) The operation of reducing to a lower degree; -- said of equations.
  9. (Surg.) A method of operating for cataract; couching. See Couch, v. t., 8. Syn. -- Abasement; reduction; sinking; fall; humiliation; dejection; melancholy.

Webster 1913