1. depressant drugs that slow down the central nervous system
Usage: informal; medical
2. things that make one feel sad, discouraged, or depressed
Usage: informal

Examples

• The doctor warned about the dangers of mixing alcohol with downers.
• Prescription downers should only be taken under medical supervision.
• The rainy weather and bad news were real downers for the team.
• She tried to avoid downers like negative news before bedtime.
• The movie’s sad ending was a downer after such a fun day.
• His constant complaints were downers that affected everyone’s mood.