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

Additionally, opposition parties have reported political repression and administrative barriers. —Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 31 May 2026

According to recent polling by the firm Meganálisis, Rodríguez continues to face deeply negative approval ratings, with many Venezuelans still associating the interim government with corruption, repression and economic collapse linked to the final years of Chavismo. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026

With the country engulfed in flames, the conservative government maintained itself through repression and authoritarianism. —Roberto Andrés, The Dial, 28 May 2026

Decades of repression The selectivity of who is grieved helps clarify the particularly strong public reaction now. —Patrick Peralta, The Conversation, 28 May 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