1. to hold back or restrain (an emotion, impulse, or reaction)
2. to use force to control or subdue (people or activities)
3. to exclude painful thoughts or memories from conscious awareness
Usage: psychology

Examples

• She tried to repress her anger during the meeting.
• The government moved quickly to repress the uprising.
• He couldn’t repress a smile when he heard the good news.
• The dictator used violence to repress political opposition.
• Many people repress traumatic childhood memories.
• The teacher asked the students to repress their excitement until after the announcement.
• Military forces were sent to repress the rebellion.