▪ I. depressing, vbl. n.
(dɪˈprɛsɪŋ)
[f. depress v. + -ing1.]
The action of the verb depress; depression.
| 1641 Wilkins Math. Magick i. iv. (1648) 25 In the depressing, or elevating..of any weight. 1660 Boyle New Exp. Phys. Mech. ix. 69 Upon the quick depressing of the Sucker. |
▪ II. deˈpressing, ppl. a.
[-ing2.]
That depresses (see the verb); usually in fig. senses, esp. 6; causing depression or lowness of spirits.
| 1789 W. Buchan Dom. Med. (1790) 467 Excessive fear, grief, anger, religious melancholy, or any of the depressing passions. 1814 Scott Wav. viii, The whole scene was depressing. 1882 Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 205 A lower studding-sail..is a depressing sail. |
Hence deˈpressingly adv.
| 1847 in Craig. 1869 E. A. Parkes Pract. Hygiene (ed. 3) 369 The lowering of the external temperature..acts very depressingly on the very young and old. 1893 Nat. Observer 23 Dec. 137/2 An effect of profound isolation..depressingly real, suddenly encompassed me. |