repression
Americannoun
-
the act of repressing; state of being repressed.
-
Psychology, Psychoanalysis. the rejection from consciousness of painful or disagreeable ideas, memories, feelings, or impulses.
Freud's approach to interpreting early memories emphasizes what is forgotten through the mechanism of repression.
noun
-
the act or process of repressing or the condition of being repressed
-
psychoanal the subconscious rejection of thoughts and impulses that conflict with conventional standards of conduct See suppression
Other Word Forms
- nonrepression noun
Etymology
Origin of repression
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English repressioun, from Medieval Latin repressiōn- (stem of repressiō ), Late Latin: “suppression”; repress, -ion
Explanation
Repression is a kind of holding back or holding down. There's repression of feelings (willing yourself not to cry), as well as social repression (where the government limits freedom or shuts out certain groups). Repression is like suppression: you restrain, inhibit, or subdue something. Not allowing women to vote is a perfect example of political repression. If you have trouble expressing your feelings and keep things bottled up, then emotional repression is a big part of your personality. People often turn to repression because they're scared of what will happen if they say what's on their mind. Unfortunately, political and emotional repression can often lead to anger and even violence.
Vocabulary lists containing repression
"The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Story of an Hour"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., "Beyond Vietnam" (1967)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Under pressure from Washington to ease repression, she has pushed through several major economic reforms, as well as an amnesty for political prisoners.
From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026
One of the most significant reforms championed by Rodriguez, it aims to turn the page on nearly three decades of state repression, but has been criticised by human rights organizations as being selectively applied.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
But the opposition says Zimbabwe is seeing a new wave of repression.
From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026
Israeli strikes have inflicted havoc on the Islamic Republic’s internal repression apparatus.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
He thought about the famed repression of the English.
From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
