depress

Depress is a verb with several related meanings centered on lowering or reducing. In a literal sense, to depress means to press down or push toward a lower position, such as depressing a lever, depressing the brake pedal, or depressing the surface of an object by applying downward force. In a figurative sense, it can describe lowering the level or intensity of something, for example depressing prices, depressing a mood, or depressing interest in a project.

Etymology and form derive from the Latin deprimere, meaning “to press down,” formed from de- (down) and premere (to press). The word entered English in the late Middle Ages and has retained its core sense of downward pressure while broadening to figurative uses.

Usage and contexts vary. Physically, depress is common in engineering and everyday actions, such as depressing a button or a valve. Figuratively, it describes reducing or discouraging: to depress prices, to depress a mood, or to depress spirits. In psychological and medical terminology, the related noun depression refers to a state of sadness or a clinical condition, while depressive describes mood-related or clinical characteristics. In pharmacology, a depressant is a substance that reduces central nervous system activity.

Depress is typically contrasted with related terms such as uplift or elevate for physical movement, and with depression, depressive, and depressant for emotional or pharmacological contexts. Overall, the term carries a neutral core meaning of lowering or diminishing, applied across physical, economic, and emotional domains.