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

Bart Jansen The Justice Department announced the seizure of four websites for allegedly helping Iran’s hacking efforts, psychological operations and repression in other countries. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026

Remeslo’s comments were an unusual public display of dissent and personal criticism of Putin in an atmosphere of repression and tight control in Russia, exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

But there’s a measure of hope that the country can emerge from the era of brutality and repression of the Assad regimes – of Hafez and Bashar – creating a more stable future. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026

That’s the right word, repression. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 19 Mar. 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