De*press" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Depressed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Depressing.] [L. depressus, p. p. of deprimere; de- + premere to press. See Press.]

1.

To press down; to cause to sink; to let fall; to lower; as, to depress the muzzle of a gun; to depress the eyes.

"With lips depressed."

Tennyson.

2.

To bring down or humble; to abase, as pride.

3.

To cast a gloom upon; to sadden; as, his spirits were depressed.

4.

To lessen the activity of; to make dull; embarrass, as trade, commerce, etc.

5.

To lessen in price; to cause to decline in value; to cheapen; to depreciate.

6. Math.

To reduce (an equation) in a lower degree.

To depress the pole Naut., to cause the sidereal pole to appear lower or nearer the horizon, as by sailing toward the equator.

Syn. -- To sink; lower; abase; cast down; deject; humble; degrade; dispirit; discourage.

 

© Webster 1913.


De*press", a. [L. depressus, p. p.]

Having the middle lower than the border; concave.

[Obs.]

If the seal be depress or hollow. Hammond.

 

© Webster 1913.

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