Entry Word: depress

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to make sad <the thought of failing the test depressed me>

Synonyms burden, oppress, sadden

Related Words ail, distress, trouble; afflict, torment, torture; discourage, dishearten, dispirit; bother, disquiet, disturb, perturb, upset

Near Antonyms animate, enliven, invigorate; comfort, console, solace; excite, inspire, stimulate; elate, exhilarate; encourage, hearten; delight, gratify, please

Antonyms brighten, buoy, cheer, gladden

2 to cause to fall intentionally or unintentionally <construction workers depressed the roadbed in order to make way for an overpass> — see drop 1
3 to lower the price or value of <the glut of wheat on the market has depressed that commodity for most of the past year> — see depreciate 1
4 to push steadily against with some force <depressed the lever to start the machine> — see press 1