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

The analyst said the White House wants to avoid actions that could lead to waves of migration or repression and instead bets on gradual changes without direct intervention. — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

The lawsuit portrays those abuses as part of a broader campaign of political repression carried out by the country’s security apparatus. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

And there’s a feeling of repression that has leaked into all of my characters. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 22 July 2026

Rights groups warn of escalating repression given the political prisoners, shuttered religious and civic groups, stripped citizenship and professional licenses, and reports of torture driving thousands of Nicaraguans into exile. — Anna-Catherine Brigida, Los Angeles Times, 21 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