repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpre-shən 

1

a

: the action or process of repressing : the state of being repressed

repression of unpopular opinions

b

: an instance of repressing

racial repressions

2

a

: a mental process by which distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses that may give rise to anxiety are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious

b

: an item so excluded

repressionist

ri-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist 

adjective

Synonyms

• constraint
• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• inhibition
• refrainment
• reserve
• restraint
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint
• suppression

Examples of repression in a Sentence

the state's repression of its citizens

They survived 60 years of political repression.

Recent Examples on the Web

This emotional repression can lead to feelings of envy toward women, who are far more culturally permitted to express a broader emotional range. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

Rasoulof was inspired to make the film while imprisoned for criticizing government repression of civilian protests. —Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024

In addition, while the kingdom has embraced modernization efforts under its Vision 2030 initiative, critics argue these reforms do little to address systemic issues such as repression of dissidents, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals and labor exploitation. —Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

The only plausible way Europe can achieve what the authors lay out is by turning the European Union into a supranational empire, with all the resultant repressions that come from creating such an entity. —Sumantra Maitra, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the act of repressing : the state of being repressed

2

: a process of the mind by which painful or disturbing thoughts or desires are kept from conscious awareness

Medical Definition

repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the action or process of repressing

gene repression

2

a

: a process by which unacceptable desires or impulses are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious compare suppression sense c

b

: an item so excluded