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
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
The McCarthy Era ended when Americans from across the political spectrum finally came together and stood up for the principles in the Constitution against the forces of repression.
—
Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Because of the Kremlin’s escalating repression, some musicians who still live in Russia keep a low profile.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
From reform to repression Vučić’s reaction to the protests and his cozying up to leaders of Russia and China reveal how the Serbian leader’s politics have changed.
—Hanna Begić, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
There is still a way to stop such repression.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repression
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Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025
Because of the Kremlin’s escalating repression, some musicians who still live in Russia keep a low profile.
—Anna Nemtsova, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2025
From reform to repression Vučić’s reaction to the protests and his cozying up to leaders of Russia and China reveal how the Serbian leader’s politics have changed.
—Hanna Begić, The Conversation, 29 Sep. 2025
There is still a way to stop such repression.
—Patrick Eddington, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for repression
Cite this Entry
“Repression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repression. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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