Definition of depress

The word "depress" has its roots in the 15th century. It comes from the Latin "deprimere," which means "to press down" or "to weigh down." This Latin verb is a combination of "de-" (meaning "down" or "away from") and "primere" (meaning "to press" or "to crush"). In English, the verb "depress" initially meant "to press down" or "to weigh down," often referring to physical objects or forces. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to include emotional and psychological contexts. By the 17th century, "depress" began to describe feelings of sorrow, sadness, or disappointment, such as being "depressed" by news or circumstances. Today, the word "depress" is widely used to describe a range of mental health conditions, including clinical depression, mild sadness, and even frustration or disappointment. Despite its evolution, the root idea of being "pressed down" or "weighed down" remains at the heart of the word's meaning.