repression

noun re·pres·sion \ ri-ˈpre-shən \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

Definition of repression

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

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repressionist

play \ri-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist\ adjective

See repression defined for English-language learners

See repression defined for kids

Examples of repression in a Sentence

the state's repression of its citizens
They survived 60 years of political repression.

Recent Examples of repression from the Web

But during General Rios Montt’s 17-month reign, repression by state security forces reached new levels of brutality.

— john otis, BostonGlobe.com, "Efrain Rios Montt, 91, Guatemalan dictator convicted of genocide," 1 Apr. 2018
Some travel abroad, both to escape this repression and for more mundane reasons.

— The Economist, "China is trying to prevent the formation of a vocal Uighur diaspora," 28 Mar. 2018
In hindsight, the joyous toppling of the wall in Berlin may not have been as pivotal to the future of humankind as China’s murderous repression in and around Tiananmen Square.

— will bunch, Philly.com, "Xi whiz! Trump is a beacon of hope to world's emerging dictators | Will Bunch," 27 Feb. 2018
There’s a swampy mix of rage, fear, and repression buried in the blacks of Michael Shannon’s eyes.

— Esquire, "And the Best Picture Should Be...," 23 Feb. 2018
But the ultimate result will be more psychosis, repression and anxiety on the individual level.

— robert d. kaplan, WSJ, "How Russia and China Could Come Unhinged," 23 Mar. 2018
One reason Democrats seemed to oppose elimination was fear of voter repression.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "With vote against Aurora Election Commission, transition plans begin," 21 Mar. 2018
Furthermore, Putin’s personality cult isn’t driven by mass political repression, unlike the case under Stalin.

— marc bennetts, Newsweek, "Super Putin: Do Russians Really Love Their President?," 7 Feb. 2018
At that time, social repression begins—of words, thoughts, feelings—and our desire for human connection goes underground.

— brendan tapley, Woman's Day, "10 Things Men Wish Women Knew About Sex," 1 Jan. 2017

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.

First Known Use of repression

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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repression Synonyms

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal

REPRESSION Defined for English Language Learners

repression

noun

Definition of repression for English Language Learners

: 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

Medical Dictionary

repression

noun re·pres·sion \ ri-ˈpresh-ən \

medical Definition of repression

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 c

b : an item so excluded