Depression: meaning, definitions and examples

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depression

[ dɪˈprɛʃən ]

^{Context #1}

mental health

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and irritability, as well as changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

Synonyms

desolation, despair, gloom, melancholy, sadness

Examples of usage

I have been struggling with depression for years.
She is receiving treatment for depression.
Depression can be a debilitating condition.
Many people with depression benefit from therapy.
He is feeling overwhelmed by his depression.

^{Context #2}

economics

Depression is a severe and prolonged downturn in economic activity. It is characterized by falling output and income levels, high unemployment rates, and a general lack of demand for goods and services.

Synonyms

crisis, decline, downturn, recession, slump

Examples of usage

The Great Depression of the 1930s was a global economic crisis.
The country is facing an economic depression.
Businesses are struggling to survive in the midst of a depression.

Translations

Translations of the word "depression" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depressão

🇮🇳 अवसाद

🇩🇪 Depression

🇮🇩 depresi

🇺🇦 депресія

🇵🇱 depresja

🇯🇵 うつ病

🇫🇷 dépression

🇪🇸 depresión

🇹🇷 depresyon

🇰🇷 우울증

🇸🇦 اكتئاب

🇨🇿 deprese

🇸🇰 depresia

🇨🇳 抑郁症

🇸🇮 depresija

🇮🇸 þunglyndi

🇰🇿 депрессия

🇬🇪 დეპრესია

🇦🇿 depressiya

🇲🇽 depresión

Word origin

The word 'depression' originated from the Latin word 'deprimere', which means 'to press down'. The term was first used in English in the 14th century to describe a state of low spirits or dejection. Over time, the word came to be associated with the medical condition of persistent sadness and loss of interest. In the 20th century, 'depression' also became a term used to describe severe economic downturns, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s.