DEPRESSION


Meaning of DEPRESSION in English

-eshən noun

( -s )

Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English depressioun, from Medieval Latin depression-, depressio, from Late Latin, act of pressing down, from Latin depressus (past participle of deprimere to press down) + -ion-, -io -ion; in other senses, partly from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French depression act of pressing down, lowering, from Late Latin depression-, depressio; partly from depress + -ion — more at depress

1.

a. : the angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon

b.

(1) : the angular distance of an object beneath the horizontal plane that passes through the observer

(2) medicine : a displacement downward or inward

2. : the act of depressing or the quality or state of being depressed: as

a. archaic : abasement , humbling , degradation

the depression of a haughty nobleman

b. : a pressing down : lowering , sinking

a quick depression of the typewriter key

recommend a depression of the roadway where it goes under the bridge

a rapid depression of the mercury in the thermometer

c. : the state of feeling depressed : dispiritedness , dejection

a chronic depression of mind

a physical reaction marked by depression and languor

d.

(1) : reduction, diminution, impoverishment, or depreciation in activity, strength, amount, quality, force, yield, value, or significance

a depression in trade

a series of confiscations which completed the depression of the English interest in the south — F.M.Stenton

depression in Indian arts which may result in their disappearance — Report: (Canadian) Royal Commission on National Development

as a surface mulch sawdust causes a depression of nitrates

(2) : a lowering of vitality or functional activity : the state of being below normal in physical or mental vitality

3. : an instance of depression: as

a. : a region of low barometric pressure surrounded by higher pressures : low

b.

(1) : a place or part that is depressed

a slight depression at the base of my left forefinger — Sidney Lovett

(2) : hollow III 1

an open-air auditorium located in a natural depression encircled by magnolias, oaks and sweet gum — American Guide Series: Louisiana

c. : a period of low general economic activity marked by mass unemployment, deflation, a decreasing use of resources, and a low level of investment

4. : a mental disorder of psychoneurotic or psychotic proportions characterized by sadness, retardation of motor and certain vegetative processes, feelings of inadequacy and self-depreciation, and often by suicidal attempts — compare manic-depressive psychosis

Synonyms: see sadness

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.