repressed
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /rɪˈprɛst/
KK: /rɪˈprɛst/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone or something that is held back or controlled, especially in terms of feelings or desires.
Example
He had a repressed anger that he never expressed.
Conversation
I feel like sometimes we all have these repressed feelings inside us.
Totally, it's hard to open up about them.
Yeah, I wonder if that's why people struggle to connect.
It could be! Expressing those emotions is really important.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
suppressed
restrained
stifled
Antonyms
expressed
unrestrained
free
verb
Definition
To hold back or suppress something, such as feelings or thoughts, often to avoid expressing them.
Example
She repressed her emotions during the meeting to maintain her composure.
Tense Forms
Past: repressed
Past Participle: repressed
Conversation
I feel like I've repressed so many emotions this year.
That sounds tough. It's important to let those feelings out.
Yeah, I just don't know how to start opening up.
Root Explanation
Repressed → It is formed from "re-" (meaning again or back) and "press" (from Latin "premere", meaning to press). The word "repressed" means to press down again or to hold back emotions or thoughts.
Memory Tip
Think of pressing something down 'again' ('re-') — that's why repressed means to hold back or suppress feelings.
Visually Confused Words
unrepressed
expressed
depressed
foreimpressed
unredressed
unexpressed
undepressed