irrepressible
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- irrepressibility noun
- irrepressibleness noun
- irrepressibly adverb
Etymology
Origin of irrepressible
First recorded in 1805–15; ir- 2 + repressible ( def. )
Explanation
Something that’s irrepressible can’t be restrained. If you find yourself constantly looking up the definitions of interesting words, you have an irrepressible desire to expand your vocabulary. You just can’t stop! Irrepressible comes from the word repress, which means "restrain" or "reject." If you have a desire to become an actor but are worried about financial security, you might repress your calling for the stage and opt for law school instead. However, some desires are simply irrepressible. If you ignore your urge to be onstage, watch out; we predict that one day you’ll find yourself delivering a Shakespearean monologue to a very confused jury.
Vocabulary lists containing irrepressible
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -able, -ible
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Anna Karenina
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
With signature, irrepressible enthusiasm, the sisters help viewers see precisely what makes the shows and dancers so extraordinary.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026
The hosts dashed any outside hopes the Wallabies had of coming back when the irrepressible Hansen's catch inside the Aussie 22 led eventually to captain Caelan Doris touching down.
From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025
The irrepressible American held off a stellar field in the 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Friday to win his fourth successive world title in the discipline.
From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025
His reputation made him out to be the natural talent, who played with irrepressible joy and boundless creativity, but sometimes fell victim to lapses in concentration.
From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 9, 2025
The irrepressible Regina managed to get Bobby and his friend Stuart Margulies an interview on a local television show.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
