B2verbformalpsychologypolitics
US/rɪˈpres/
UK/rɪˈpres/
to stop yourself from showing a feeling, or to control people by force
In context
She tried to repress her anger during the long meeting.
The government used force to repress the protests.
Many people repress painful memories from their childhood.
Words that go with repress
verb + noun
- repress emotionsHe was taught to repress his emotions.
- repress a smileShe could not repress a smile at the joke.
- repress memoriesSome patients repress memories of the accident.
- repress oppositionThe regime worked to repress all opposition.
adverb + verb
- violently repressThe army violently repressed the uprising.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He repressed to cry.Correct: He repressed the urge to cry.