Depress vs. Suppress

Attribute	Depress	Suppress
Definition	To make someone feel very unhappy and without enthusiasm	To forcibly put an end to something
Emotional Impact	Causes sadness and hopelessness	Can lead to feelings of oppression or restraint
Physical Impact	May result in fatigue and lack of energy	Can involve physical force or pressure
Psychological Effect	Can lead to feelings of worthlessness and despair	May involve controlling or restraining emotions

Definition

Depress and suppress are two words that are often confused due to their similar spellings and meanings. However, they have distinct definitions and are used in different contexts. Depress means to make someone feel very unhappy or without hope, while suppress means to forcibly put an end to something. Both words involve the idea of reducing or diminishing something, but they do so in different ways.

Emotional Impact

Depress is commonly used in the context of emotions and mental health. When someone is depressed, they may feel sad, hopeless, or unmotivated. This emotional state can be debilitating and may require professional help to overcome. On the other hand, suppress is often used in the context of suppressing emotions or feelings. For example, someone may suppress their anger in order to maintain a calm demeanor in a stressful situation.

Physical Impact

Depress can also refer to physical pressure or pushing something down. For example, a heavy object may depress a spring when placed on top of it. This physical action can result in a change in shape or position. Suppress, on the other hand, is often used in the context of suppressing physical symptoms or reactions. For example, someone may take medication to suppress a cough or suppress their appetite to lose weight.

Behavioral Impact

Depress can also refer to the act of lowering or reducing something. For example, a decrease in sales may depress a company's profits. This can have a negative impact on the business as a whole. Suppress, on the other hand, is often used in the context of suppressing behaviors or actions. For example, someone may suppress their urge to speak out in a meeting in order to avoid conflict.

Psychological Impact

Depress can also refer to the act of pressing something down or making it smaller. For example, a lever may be used to depress a button on a machine. This action can result in a change in the machine's operation. Suppress, on the other hand, is often used in the context of suppressing thoughts or memories. For example, someone may suppress traumatic memories in order to cope with past experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, depress and suppress are two words that have similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Depress is often used in the context of emotions, physical pressure, behavior, and psychology. Suppress, on the other hand, is often used in the context of suppressing emotions, physical symptoms, behaviors, and thoughts. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them correctly in your writing and communication.