repress Definition
- 1to hold back or restrain
- 2to prevent the expression of a thought or feeling
- 3to subdue or quell
Using repress: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "repress" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She repressed her anger and calmly explained the situation.
Example
The government tried to repress the protests with force.
Example
He repressed his feelings of sadness and put on a brave face.
Example
The memories were so painful that she had repressed them for years.
repress Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using repress
Example
He had to repress the urge to scream when he heard the bad news.
Example
She felt like she had to repress her true self in order to fit in with her conservative family.
Example
She had to repress a smile when her boss made a ridiculous comment during the meeting.
Phrases with repress
a memory that has been unconsciously blocked or suppressed due to its association with a traumatic event
Example
Through therapy, she was able to recover a repressed memory of the abuse she suffered as a child.
the suppression or denial of one's sexual desires or identity due to social or cultural pressures
Example
Many people struggle with repressed sexuality due to societal expectations and norms.
feelings that are not expressed or acknowledged due to fear, shame, or other reasons
Example
His repressed emotions eventually led to a breakdown and he sought therapy to address them.
Origins of repress
from Latin 'reprimere', meaning 'to press back'
Summary: repress in Brief
The verb 'repress' [rɪˈprɛs] means to hold back or restrain, prevent the expression of a thought or feeling, or subdue or quell. It can refer to emotions, memories, or desires, as in 'She repressed her anger' or 'repressed sexuality.' Idioms like 'repress the urge' and 'repress a smile' show how it extends to impulses and reactions.
