depression
/dɪˈpɹɛʃən/ noun B1- A state of mind producing serious, long-term lowering of enjoyment of life or inability to visualize a happy future; any of several mental disorders with this state of mind as a central feature. · I used to suffer from depression, but now I'm mostly content with my life.
- A period of low morale or unhappiness (a period of experiencing the above-mentioned state of mind) which lasts longer than several weeks and may include ideation of self-inflicted injury or suicide.
- An area that is lower in topography than its surroundings.
- An area of lowered air pressure that generally brings moist weather, sometimes promoting hurricanes and tornadoes.
- A period of major economic contraction.
- Four consecutive quarters of negative, real GDP growth (for example, this operational definition is used by the US NBER and many other writers). · The Great Depression was the worst financial event in US history.
- The act of lowering or pressing something down. · Depression of the lever starts the machine.
- A lowering, in particular a reduction in a particular biological variable or the function of an organ, in contrast to elevation.
Plural depressions
From the library
Suddenly we looked down into a cuplike depression, patched with stunted oaks and firs which had been twisted and bent by the fury of years of storm.
You can imagine my exultation, Watson, when within two inches of my peg I saw a conical depression in the ground.
Even the triumphant issue of his labours could not save him from reaction after so terrible an exertion, and at a time when Europe was ringing with his name and when his room was literally ankle-deep with congratulatory telegrams I found him a prey to the blackest depression.
A few minutes later she brought in three covers, and we all drew up to the table, Holmes ravenous, I curious, and Phelps in the gloomiest state of depression.
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