repress

[ ri-pres ]

verb (used with object)

1. to keep under control, check, or suppress (desires, feelings, actions, tears, etc.).

   Synonyms: control, bridle

   Antonyms: foster

2. to keep down or suppress (anything objectionable).

   Antonyms: foster

3. to put down or quell (sedition, disorder, etc.).

   Synonyms: quash, subdue

   Antonyms: foster

4. to reduce (persons) to subjection.

   Synonyms: crush

   Antonyms: foster

5. Psychology, Psychoanalysis. to reject (painful or disagreeable ideas, memories, feelings, or impulses) from the conscious mind.

verb (used without object)

1. to initiate or undergo repression.

repress

/ rɪˈprɛs /

verb

1. to keep (feelings, etc) under control; suppress or restrain

   to repress a desire

2. to put into a state of subjugation

   to repress a people

3. psychoanal to banish (thoughts and impulses that conflict with conventional standards of conduct) from one's conscious mind

Derived Forms

• reˈpresser, noun
• reˈpressible, adjective

Other Words From

• re·press·i·ble adjective
• non·re·press·i·ble adjective
• non·re·press·i·ble·ness noun
• non·re·press·i·bly adverb
• o·ver·re·press verb (used with object)
• un·re·press·i·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of repress¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English repressen, from Latin repressus (past participle of reprimere ), equivalent to re- re- + pressus, past participle of premere “to exert steady force against, apply pressure to, press”; press ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of repress¹

C14: from Latin reprimere to press back, from re- + premere to press ¹

Synonym Study

See check ¹.

Example Sentences

“Civil society groups that should be playing a crucial role in holding governments accountable have been sidelined or repressed,” he said.

From BBC

Jones adds that when he first picked up the novel Interview with the Vampire, "it seemed to me what I was reading was this really repressed and really messy love story."

From BBC

In a sign of how repressed it was, it was never actually performed live with all of the MCs together.

From BBC

We have to sublimate a lot of emotions into our sports teams because we’re repressed.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a performance full of repressed bitterness, and the pain comes through most clearly once Vicente recognizes that his kids will grow out of their unquestioned adoration for their old man.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crush
• inhibit
• muffle
• quash
• quell
• restrain
• squelch
• stifle
• subdue
• subjugate
• suppress