noun

depression

A lowering below the surrounding level.

Rainwater collects in a shallow depression near the edge of the yard.

Etymology

Latin de- and premere express pressing down. A depression is the lowered result, such as a hollow whose surface lies beneath the level of the surrounding area.

More examples

  • The heavy cabinet leaves a depression in the carpet.
  • Fill any depressions in the soil before laying the stones.
  • A tropical depression forms over the warm ocean.

Forms

depression · depressions

depress verb — To push or press something downward.

Similar words

hollow
Usually suggests a rounded low spot or empty space.
dent
Usually means a small depression caused by pressure or impact.
dip
Often describes a brief downward slope in a surface.