Definition of "depression" in English

noun

1. (psychology, usually uncountable) 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.

2. (psychology, countable) 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.

3. (geography) An area that is lower in topography than its surroundings.

4. (meteorology) An area of lowered air pressure that generally brings moist weather, sometimes promoting hurricanes and tornadoes.

5. (economics) A period of major economic contraction.

6. (economics, US) Four consecutive quarters of negative, real GDP growth (per the US NBER).

   • The Great Depression was the worst financial event in US history.

7. The act of lowering or pressing something down.

   • Depression of the lever starts the machine.

8. (biology, physiology) A lowering, in particular a reduction in a particular biological variable or the function of an organ, in contrast to elevation.