B110K+

Depress

UK //dɪˈprɛs//US //dɪˈprɛs//

Definition

To make someone feel sad or to reduce their mood.

In simple words: To make someone feel very sad or low.

Examples

The news story really began to __depress__ me after reading it.
He didn't mean to __depress__ his friends with his problems.
The movie’s ending was so sad, it left me feeling __depressed__.
They felt the economic issues would only serve to __depress__ the community.
Weather can often __depress__ people's moods during the winter months.

Usage notes

Use in neutral contexts. Avoid when discussing mental health lightly. More appropriate in serious discussions.

Grammar pattern

depress + object

Memory hint

Think of 'de-press' as taking away the press of happiness.

Collocations

depress someone
depress a mood
depress rates
depress feelings
depress sales

Synonyms

sadden
dishearten
dismay
distress
gloom

Antonyms

uplift
cheer
elate

Common mistakes

Confused with 'repress' – to hold back emotions, not to make sad.
Using it as an adjective – 'depressing' is the correct form instead.
Mixing up tenses – make sure to use the right verb tense for context.