repress
What does "repress" mean?
To "repress" means to hold back, restrain, or force something down so that it is not expressed or felt. Think of a lid being clamped down tightly on a boiling pot; the energy or contents are still there, but they are prevented from escaping or surfacing. This word is often used in psychological contexts to describe burying painful memories or feelings deep in the subconscious. In broader contexts, it refers to the act of using authority or force to suppress a movement, rebellion, or natural impulse. It implies a degree of internal struggle or external control.
"repress" in conversation
Discussing a stressful day
I think I’m just repressing how angry I am about the meeting.
I think I’m just repressing how angry I am about the meeting.
That doesn't sound healthy. You should probably talk about it.
That doesn't sound healthy. You should probably talk about it.
Used here to describe hiding or ignoring an emotional state.
Historical analysis
The government moved quickly to repress the uprising in the northern provinces.
The government moved quickly to repress the uprising in the northern provinces.
Was it purely a military intervention?
Was it purely a military intervention?
Used here in the sense of using authority to crush a political movement.
"repress" in a sentence
He tried to repress a smile during the serious lecture.
He tried to repress a smile during the serious lecture.
The trauma caused her to repress memories of the accident for many years.
The trauma caused her to repress memories of the accident for many years.
Political regimes often repress dissent to maintain absolute control over the population.
Political regimes often repress dissent to maintain absolute control over the population.
