repression

noun

Save Word

re·pres·sion | \ ri-ˈpre-shən

Definition of repression

1a : the action or process of repressing : the state of being repressed repression of unpopular opinions

b : an instance of repressing racial repressions

2a : 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

Other Words from repression Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About repression

Keep scrolling for more

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 Yet conversion therapy serves a politics of repression. — Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2021 In the novel, Phil's sexuality is hinted at but never overtly confirmed by author Thomas Savage; his character's prickly, conniving nature is informed by a lifetime of repression. — Scottie Andrew, CNN, 7 Sep. 2021 For artists, the former military era came with a heavy dose of repression. — Emily Fishbein, Rolling Stone, 6 Sep. 2021 Western governments and human rights groups accuse China of conducting a broad campaign of repression against the Muslim Uyghur population of Xinjiang, including mass detention in camps. — Washington Post, 27 Aug. 2021 And early reports of repression — as well as violence and chaos at Kabul airport — have further undermined its PR offensive. — NBC News, 26 Aug. 2021 The rights groups say the companies are benefiting from a Chinese system of repression against Uyghur and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang. — Angela Charlton, Star Tribune, 2 July 2021 There has been growing support for Puerto Rican independence among voters and activists on the island, after decades of repression against the movement. — Lilia Luciano, CBS News, 24 June 2021 But the repression of dissent also serves Putin’s interests, Zochowski said, as instability in Belarus could prompt anti-Putin sentiment at home. — Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2021

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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About repression

Dictionary Entries Near repression

represser

repression

repressor

Statistics for repression

Last Updated

12 Oct 2021

Cite this Entry

“Repression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repression. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

Seen & Heard

People are talking about

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for repression

repression

noun

English Language Learners Definition of repression

: 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 the full definition for repression in the English Language Learners Dictionary

repression

noun

re·pres·sion | \ ri-ˈpresh-ən

Medical Definition of repression

1 : the action or process of repressing gene repression

2a : 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