repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpre-shən 

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

repressionist

ri-ˈpre-sh(ə-)nist 

adjective

Synonyms of repression

• restraint
• discipline
• suppression
• inhibition

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

Wonders is also terrific, a ball of neuroses and repression, envious of Elliot’s exploits. — ABC News, 29 July 2026

Visuals of police repression that ensued only served to intensify and expand the protest nationwide. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 July 2026

The January crackdown, sparked by economic anger and calls to oust Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, left thousands dead and tens of thousands jailed in the Islamic Republic’s bloodiest repression. — Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

The case therefore tells a story not only of racial violence and exploitation, but also of Black legal activism and community mobilization during a period often remembered largely for racial repression. — Edward D. Melillo, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for repression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpresh-ən 

1

: the act of repressing : the state of being repressed

2

: a process of the mind by which painful or disturbing thoughts or desires are kept from conscious awareness

Medical Definition

repression

noun

re·​pres·​sion ri-ˈpresh-ən 

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 sense c

b

: an item so excluded