| 释义 |
de·pres·sion
\-eshən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: in sense 1, from Middle English depressioun, from Medieval Latin depression-, depressio, from Late Latin, act of pressing down, from Latin depressus (past participle of deprimere to press down) + -ion-, -io -ion; in other senses, partly from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French depression act of pressing down, lowering, from Late Latin depression-, depressio; partly from depress + -ion — more at depress
1.
a. : the angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon
b.
(1) : the angular distance of an object beneath the horizontal plane that passes through the observer
(2) medicine : a displacement downward or inward
2. : the act of depressing or the quality or state of being depressed: as
a. archaic : abasement, humbling, degradation
< the depression of a haughty nobleman >
b. : a pressing down : lowering, sinking
< a quick depression of the typewriter key >
< recommend a depression of the roadway where it goes under the bridge >
< a rapid depression of the mercury in the thermometer >
c. : the state of feeling depressed : dispiritedness, dejection
< a chronic depression of mind >
< a physical reaction marked by depression and languor >
d.
(1) : reduction, diminution, impoverishment, or depreciation in activity, strength, amount, quality, force, yield, value, or significance
< a depression in trade >
< a series of confiscations which completed the depression of the English interest in the south — F.M.Stenton >
< depression in Indian arts which may result in their disappearance — Report: (Canadian) Royal Commission on National Development >
< as a surface mulch sawdust causes a depression of nitrates >
(2) : a lowering of vitality or functional activity : the state of being below normal in physical or mental vitality
3. : an instance of depression: as
a. : a region of low barometric pressure surrounded by higher pressures : low
b.
(1) : a place or part that is depressed
< a slight depression at the base of my left forefinger — Sidney Lovett >
(2) : hollow III 1
< an open-air auditorium located in a natural depression encircled by magnolias, oaks and sweet gum — American Guide Series: Louisiana >
c. : a period of low general economic activity marked by mass unemployment, deflation, a decreasing use of resources, and a low level of investment
4. : a mental disorder of psychoneurotic or psychotic proportions characterized by sadness, retardation of motor and certain vegetative processes, feelings of inadequacy and self-depreciation, and often by suicidal attempts — compare manic-depressive psychosis
Synonyms: see sadness |