Main Entry: re·press

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈpres\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French represser, from Latin repressus, past participle of reprimere to check, from re- + premere to press — more at press

Date: 14th century

transitive verb 1 a : to check by or as if by pressure : curb <injustice was repressed> b : to put down by force : subdue <repress a disturbance>
2 a : to hold in by self-control <repressed a laugh> b : to prevent the natural or normal expression, activity, or development of <repressed her anger>
3 : to exclude from consciousness <repressed the memory of abuse>
4 : to inactivate (a gene or formation of a gene product) by allosteric combination at a DNA binding siteintransitive verb : to take repressive action

— re·press·ibil·i·ty \-ˌpre-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— re·press·ible \-ˈpre-sə-bəl\ adjective

— re·pres·sive \-ˈpre-siv\ adjective

— re·pres·sive·ly adverb

— re·pres·sive·ness noun