repress
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈprɛs/
KK: /rɪˈprɛs/
intransitive verb
Definition
To hold back or control something, often in a way that prevents it from being expressed or released.
Example
The government tried to repress the protests by increasing police presence.
Tense Forms
Past: repressed
Past Participle: repressed
Conversation
I feel like some people really repress their emotions.
Yeah, it's not healthy to keep everything bottled up.
Exactly! It's better to express feelings than to repress them.
Totally agree; talking about it can really help.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suppress
stifle
quash
Antonyms
express
release
unleash
transitive verb
Definition
To hold back or suppress something, such as emotions, thoughts, or actions, often by force or control.
Example
The government tried to repress the protests by using force.
Tense Forms
Past: repressed
Past Participle: repressed
Conversation
I’ve been trying to repress some bad memories from my childhood.
That sounds tough; do you think it's working?
Not really, it just keeps coming back to me.
Root Explanation
Repress → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "premere" (meaning to press). The word means to press back or hold back something, such as emotions or actions.
Memory Tip
Think of pressing something 'back' ('re-') — that's why repress means to hold back or suppress.
Visually Confused Words
reoppress
reimpress
regress
redress
express
empress
depress
bepress