'depressant' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deprimere,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'premere' meant 'to press.'

'deprimere' transformed into the French word 'depresser,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depressant' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to press down,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'substance that reduces nervous system activity.'