Dejection Meaning and Definition
Dejection
Pronunciation
/dɪˈdʒɛkʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling of sadness, gloom, or despair, often accompanied by a sense of hopelessness or powerlessness.
Examples
- He felt a deep sense of dejection after losing his job.
- She experienced a fleeting moment of dejection after receiving disappointing news.
Synonyms
- Despair
- Sorrow
- Despondency
Antonyms
- Elation
- Exhilaration
- Happiness
Additional Information
Dejection is a common emotional state experienced by many individuals, often in response to adverse events or circumstances. It can manifest physically through fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and a lack of motivation. Effective coping strategies, such as self-care, social support, and reframing negative thoughts, can help alleviate dejection and promote emotional well-being.
Etymology
The word “dejection” originates from the Latin “dejectio,” meaning “throwing down” or “casting out.” It is related to the verb “deject,” meaning “to throw down” or “to depress.”
Usage Notes
Dejection is often used to describe a prolonged state of sadness or despair, but it can also be used to describe a momentary feeling of disappointment or frustration.
Cultural References
Dejection has been explored in various works of literature, art, and music, including Shakespeare’s Hamlet and T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” It has also been depicted in popular culture, such as in the song “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
To be in a state of dejection
Related Words or Phrases
- Melancholy
- Depression
- Despair
Collocations
- Feeling dejection
- Overcome with dejection
- Suffering from dejection
Frequency of Use
Dejection is a relatively uncommon word, but it is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe a specific emotional state.
Common Misspellings
- Dejuction
- Dejectionn
- Dejexit