depression

noun

de·pres·sion | \ di-ˈpre-shən

, dē-\

Definition of depression

1 : an act of depressing or a state of being depressed: such as

a(1) : a state of feeling sad : dejection anger, anxiety, and depression

(2) : a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies bouts of depression suffering from clinical depression

b(1) : a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force a depression in trade

(2) biology : a lowering of physical or mental vitality or of functional activity

c : a pressing down : lowering a depression of the tab key

2 economics : a period of low general economic activity marked especially by rising levels of unemployment heading towards a depression periods of economic depression

3 : a place or part that is lower than the surrounding area : a depressed place or part : hollow The chicken pox left several depressions in her skin.

4 meteorology : low entry 4 sense 1b a tropical depression

5a astronomy : the angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon

b mathematics : the size of an angle of depression

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about depression

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Synonyms & Antonyms for depression

Synonyms

recession, slump

Antonyms

boom

Examples of depression in a Sentence

She has been undergoing treatment for severe depression. Many people suffer from clinical depression for years before being diagnosed. After several years of an economic boom, it looks as though we may be heading toward a depression. The photographs show depressions in the moon's surface.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mercedes is one of a growing number of people who are self-medicating with psychedelics like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms to aid in everything from concentration and creativity to alleviation of chronic anxiety and depression. — Allure, "Your Guide to Microdosing for Anxiety and Depression," 19 Apr. 2019 But studies show the opposite is true, and kids of permissive parents are more likely to show signs of anxiety and depression, be aggressive, have bad social skills, and do poorly in school. — Marisa Lascala, Good Housekeeping, "Five Types of Parenting Styles, Explained — And How They Affect Kids, According to Experts," 1 Apr. 2019 Nosal and Bobbi Hopkins, medical director of the Sleep Center at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, both noted that inadequate sleep can lead to anxiety and depression. — Danielle Corcione, Teen Vogue, "How to Tell if You Have a Sleep Disorder," 14 Mar. 2019 Medication may also be prescribed for any underlying conditions, such as anxiety or depression. — Jancee Dunn, Vogue, "Is Othorexia the Eating Disorder for the Digital Age?," 14 Dec. 2018 As rates of anxiety and depression continue to climb, St. Joseph's is growing its program. — Aneri Pattani, chicagotribune.com, "College students train to help peers at risk for suicide, depression and more," 12 July 2018 As rates of anxiety and depression continue to climb, St. Joseph’s is growing its program. — Aneri Pattani, Philly.com, "College students train to help peers at risk for suicide, depression and more," 10 July 2018 And in that time, anxiety and depression have skyrocketed. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "'Leave No Trace' star Ben Foster: 'You can fake chemistry'," 29 June 2018 Intelligent people appear to live longer, but many of the genes behind brilliance can also lead to autism, anxiety, and depression, according to two new massive genetic studies. — Katie Langin, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: Chocolate money, the rise of multicellularity, and pet rabbit brains," 29 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'depression.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near depression

Statistics for depression

Last Updated

15 May 2019

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Time Traveler for depression

The first known use of depression was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for depression

depression

noun

Financial Definition of depression

What It Is

A depression is a sustained downturn in economic activity characterized by high unemployment, decreased output and reduced levels of trade.

How It Works

Low levels of consumer confidence during times of depression generally result in a severe drop in consumer demand and spending. This leads companies to cut costs by reducing their workforces, resulting in high unemployment and even lower consumer confidence and spending. Prices and wages spiral downward, causing more turmoil.

The Great Depression of the 1930s is the best example of the far-reaching economic and social impact a depression can have.

Why It Matters

A depression can have devastating social and economic effects. It is generally accepted that dramatic government intervention is required in order to move an economy from depression to recovery.

Source: Investing Answers

depression

noun

English Language Learners Definition of depression

: a state of feeling sad

: a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way

: a period of time in which there is little economic activity and many people do not have jobs

See the full definition for depression in the English Language Learners Dictionary

depression

noun

de·pres·sion | \ di-ˈpre-shən

Kids Definition of depression

1 : an act of pressing down depression of the brake pedal

2 : a hollow place or part My foot made a depression in the sand.

3 : a feeling of sadness Your support eased my depression.

4 : a period of low activity in business with much unemployment

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depression

noun

de·pres·sion | \ di-ˈpresh-ən

Medical Definition of depression

1 : a displacement downward or inward depression of the jaw

2 : an act of depressing or a state of being depressed: as

a(1) : a state of feeling sad

(2) : a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty with thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal thoughts or an attempt to commit suicide

b : a reduction in functional activity, amount, quality, or force depression of autonomic function depression of red blood cells