adjective
pent
PENT/pˈɛnt/
Confined or held back.
The adult keeps emotion pent up while the colleague talks calmly.
Etymology
To pen was to confine in an enclosure, so pent emotions are figuratively held inside rather than released. The enclosure word’s deeper origin is uncertain.
In context
The gradual release of this ancient pent up pressure has created an untamed and dynamic landscape.
More examples
- He channels his pent-up energy into a quick workout.
- Years of pent-up anger surface during their argument.
- I feel pent up in this windowless office.
Forms
pent
Similar words
- confined
- Emphasizes restriction within a place rather than blocked expression.
- restrained
- Emphasizes control over movement, behavior, or emotional expression.
- suppressed
- Suggests something actively prevented from being expressed or released.