depress
UK: dɪˈpres | US: dɪˈpres
vt. to make someone feel sad or hopeless
vt. to press or push something down
vt. (economics) to reduce the activity or value of something
The word "depress" originates from Latin deprimere, combining de- (down) and premere (to press). The literal sense of "pushing down" evolved metaphorically to describe emotional or economic decline. The prefix de- intensifies the action of pressing, reflecting a downward force—both physically (e.g., pressing a button) and abstractly (e.g., lowering spirits or market values).
The rainy weather always seems to depress her mood.
Depress the lever slowly to avoid damage.
High interest rates may depress consumer spending.
His criticism didn’t depress her ambition.
The doctor warned that chronic stress can depress immune function.