Depression

Definition

Depression refers to a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. It can also refer to an economic downturn characterized by significant decline in economic activity. In geography, it describes a landform that is sunken or lower than the surrounding area.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛʃən/
• Respelling: dih-PRESH-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛʃən/
• Respelling: dih-PRESH-uhn

The pronunciation of "depression" is identical in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "depression" comes from the Latin word "deprimere," meaning "to press down" (from "de-" meaning "down" and "premere" meaning "to press"). The term was adopted into Middle English in the 14th century, initially referring to physical action or a decline, and later to emotional states by the 17th century.

Derivatives

• Depress (verb)
• Depressive (adjective)
• Depressed (adjective)
• Antidepressant (noun)
• Depressor (noun)

Synonyms

• Melancholy
• Despondency
• Recession (economic)

Antonyms

• Happiness
• Optimism
• Boom (economic)

Usage

The term "depression" is used in both psychological and economic contexts. In mental health, it describes a severe mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other cognitive and emotional challenges. In economics, it refers to a prolonged period of economic decline with high unemployment and negative growth. In geography, it denotes a physical landform that is lower than the surrounding surface, such as a basin or valley.

Related Terms

• Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often related to depression.
• Recession: A temporary economic decline, less severe than a depression.
• Slump: A sudden severe or prolonged downturn in economic activity.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A state of severe sadness or low mood: Refers to a mental health condition that impacts mood and behavior.
  • Example: "She was diagnosed with clinical depression and is undergoing treatment."
• An economic downturn or crisis: Describes a prolonged period of economic decline.
  • Example: "The Great Depression of the 1930s devastated economies worldwide."
• A sunken area in a surface or landscape: Refers to a geographical feature that is lower than the surrounding terrain.
  • Example: "The Dead Sea is located in a geological depression below sea level."