Depress: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a state of extreme unhappiness or to make someone feel very unhappy. Often used in a clinical or serious context when referring to feelings of deep sadness or hopelessness.

• The news about the natural disaster deeply depressed her.
• Long periods of rain and dark clouds can depress some people.

Used when someone feels sorrow or grief, usually in response to specific situations or events that are emotionally moving or tragic.

• The passing of her childhood pet saddened her deeply.
• It always saddens me to see homeless people struggling.

Used when someone loses hope or enthusiasm. This suggests a more temporary feeling than 'depress' and is generally milder in tone.

• The slow progress on the project began to dishearten the volunteers.
• Seeing the decline in support disheartened the candidate.

Used when someone's confidence or morale is completely destroyed, often used in the context of challenges or setbacks where the person's motivation is significantly lowered.

• The continued failures demoralized the team.
• The harsh criticism from his coach demoralized him before the match.

Used when talking about causing someone to feel sad or to reduce the effectiveness or strength of something like the economy. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The sad news did nothing but depress him further.
• High interest rates can depress economic growth.

Used to describe making something less in terms of height, degree, or value. It is commonly used in a practical, everyday context.

• Please lower the blinds to keep the room cool.
• They decided to lower the prices to attract more customers.

Used when talking about a reduction in number, size, amount, or degree. It is a general term and can be neutral.

• The company's profits decreased by 10% this quarter.
• There has been a significant decrease in crime rates.

Used when referring to the reduction in size, importance, or intensity of something. Often implies a gradual reduction and sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation.

• His influence in the company began to diminish after the scandal.
• The medication should diminish the pain over time.

Used when referring to a strong feeling of sadness or a situation that lowers someone's mood.

• This bad news will only depress him further
• The gloomy weather can depress people's spirits

Describes a deep, pensive sadness, often accompanied by a reflective nuance. It can sometimes be a beautiful or poetic kind of sadness.

• The old photographs brought a feeling of melancholy
• He spoke with a tone of melancholy about his childhood

A general term for a feeling of sorrow or unhappiness. It's more commonly used and can be applied in many different situations.

• She felt great sadness at the news of his departure
• Sadness filled the room after the announcement

Best used when describing extreme sadness or a complete loss of hope, often in hopeless or tragic situations.

• She was in despair after losing her job
• He felt a sense of despair during the long war