irrepressible

American  

[ir-i-pres-uh-buhl] / ˌɪr ɪˈprɛs ə bəl /

adjective

1. incapable of being repressed or restrained; uncontrollable.

   irrepressible laughter.

---

irrepressible British  

/ ˌɪrɪˈprɛsəbəl /

adjective

1. not capable of being repressed, controlled, or restrained

---

Other Word Forms

• irrepressibility noun
• irrepressibleness noun
• irrepressibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of irrepressible

First recorded in 1805–15; ir- ² + repressible ( def. )

Example Sentences

We all hold irrepressible yearnings and desires; they have driven us, across time, to engage with a spiritual world that encompasses beauty and, more importantly, our own inner lives and our connection to community.

From The Wall Street Journal

Also explored in these pages is the ongoing human toll and the irrepressible spirit of survival.

From Los Angeles Times

Miss Mortimer gestured toward the irrepressibly talkative Mrs. Apple, who shrugged and pointed to her throat.

From Literature

After the Japan game, Farrell told his players to "get over themselves" and, led by the irrepressible Hansen, they took his words to heart.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• boisterous
• buoyant
• ebullient
• exuberant
• rebellious
• uncontrollable
• unrestrained
• unstoppable