Definition of repression
- repression of unpopular opinions
- racial repressions
the state's repression of its citizens
They survived 60 years of political repression.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'repression.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
15th century
constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression;
self-abandonment, uninhibitedness;
command, control, mastery, possession;
self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower;
composure, self-poise, self-possession;
aloofness, detachedness, distance;
: the act of using force to control someone or something
: the state of being controlled by force
: the act of not allowing a memory, feeling, or desire to be expressed
See words that rhyme with repression Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for repression Spanish Central: Translation of repression Nglish: Translation of repression for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of repression for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about repression
What made you want to look up repression? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZTest Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ