downer
|down/er|
🇺🇸
/ˈdaʊnər/
🇬🇧
/ˈdaʊnə/
mood depressant
Etymology
'downer' originates from the English word 'down,' where 'down' meant 'toward a lower place or position.'
'down' transformed into the colloquial term 'downer' in the 20th century, referring to something that brings one's mood down.
Initially, it meant 'toward a lower place,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'something that causes sadness or disappointment.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or thing that brings disappointment or sadness.
The rainy weather was a real downer for our picnic plans.
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Noun 2
a drug that depresses or slows down the central nervous system.
He was prescribed a downer to help with his anxiety.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45