Word: Depression
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: /dɪˈprɛʃ(ə)n/
Category: Medical
Depression Definition
Depression is a serious medical condition where a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and is often unable to live in a normal way. It can also refer to a low point or a downturn in economic business activities.
Usage Notes
Depression is often misused in everyday language to refer to feeling sad or upset. However, clinical depression is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment.
Example Sentences
- The constant rain had left her in a state of depression.
- The economic depression lasted for a decade.
- His depression prevented him from going to work.
- She sought professional help for her depression.
- The doctor diagnosed him with severe depression.
- During the Great Depression, many people were out of work.
Synonyms (Similar Words)
Antonyms (Opposite Words)
Idioms and Phrases
- Down in the dumps – Feeling unhappy or lacking hope
- Feeling blue – Feeling sad or depressed
- In a funk – In a state of depression
Word Origin and History
The word 'depression' comes from the Latin word 'deprimere', meaning 'to press down' or 'to lower'. In the 14th century, it began to be used to refer to a mental state of severe despondency and dejection.