Feeling sad and disheartened, typically showing low spirits through posture and expression. It describes visible discouragement that affects one's entire demeanor.
From Latin 'dejectus', past participle of 'dejicere' meaning 'to throw down' or 'cast down'. The physical metaphor of being thrown down perfectly captures the postural changes that accompany this emotional state.
Dejection literally changes our posture because emotions and body position are neurologically linked! When we're dejected, our motor cortex automatically adjusts our stance to match our internal state, creating the characteristic slumped appearance.
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