repression

[ri-presh-uhn]

noun

1. the act of repressing; state of being repressed.

2. 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.

Other Word Forms

• nonrepression noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of repression¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English repressioun, from Medieval Latin repressiōn- (stem of repressiō ), Late Latin: “suppression”; repress, -ion

Example Sentences

Indeed, the irony of China’s war on religion is that repression often strengthens what it seeks to eliminate.

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Samia came into office in 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli - and was initially praised for easing political repression, but the political space has since narrowed.

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But the verdict marks a pivotal moment for the nation, vindicating protests that found their roots in anger over years of repression under her rule.

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Far from improving conditions, diplomatic passivity has allowed the government to dig in its heels, intensifying repression and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

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It was also a time of rampant inequality, corruption and repression, including government-sponsored torture and murder.

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Related Words

• oppression 
• suppression