represses; repressed; repressing
1
: to not allow yourself to do or express (something)
She repressed a laugh. [=she stopped herself from laughing]
He repressed his anger.
2
: to not allow yourself to remember (something, such as an unpleasant event)
repress a painful memory
3
: to control (someone or something) by force
The dictator brutally repressed [=subdued, suppressed] political disagreement.
Religious groups were severely repressed.
Cite this Entry
“Repress.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/repress. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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