verb
repress
rih-PRES/rɪˈpres/
To hold back an activity or expression.
He represses his laughter with a hand over his mouth during the solemn meeting.
Etymology
The pieces convey “press back”: physical pressure supplies an image for holding something in check. That image extends to restraining rebellion, feelings, or desires rather than allowing them expression.
In context
instead of asking for help or to confront your feelings you just repress your emotions and bottle them up
More examples
- I repress the urge to interrupt her.
- The regime uses violence to repress public protests.
- In therapy, she explores whether she represses painful memories.
Forms
repress · represses · repressed · repressing
repression noun — The act of holding something back.
repressive adjective — Using strict control to limit expression.