depressde·press /dɪˈpres/ verb [transitiveT]ECONOMICS1to prevent an economy, industry, market etc from working properly or being as active as it usually isSeveral factors combined to depress the American economy.
Overproduction was blamed for depressing oil markets.
2to reduce the value of something such as prices or wagesCompetition between workers will depress wage levels.
Profits have already been depressed by the recession.