verb

depress

dih-PRESS/dɪˈpres/

To press or bring something to a lower level.

The finger depresses the button below the level of its raised neighbor.

An adult finger depresses a spring-loaded button so it sits visibly lower than its neighboring raised button; mechanical pressing sense, no sadness metaphor.

Etymology

The literal image is pressing something downward, as with a button. Applied to feelings, the same downward movement became lowering people's spirits or making them gloomy.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain48:58

I don't like novels that end happily they depress me so much

1800s Comedy Audiobook: Oscar Wilde - The Importance of Being Earnest

More examples

Depress the button to release the handle.
This medication can depress breathing.
High borrowing costs depress consumer spending.

Forms

depress · depresses · depressed · depressing

depressant noun — A substance that reduces nervous system activity.

Similar words

lower: Means moving downward or decreasing, without necessarily pressing.
reduce: Emphasizes making an amount smaller rather than pushing downward.
suppress: Suggests strongly restraining activity rather than simply lowering it.