1. the action of subduing someone or something by force; cruel or oppressive treatment
Usage: often political or social context
2. the restraint, prevention, or inhibition of a feeling, impulse, or idea
Usage: psychology
3. the unconscious exclusion of painful impulses, desires, or fears from the conscious mind
Usage: psychology; psychoanalysis

Examples

• The government’s repressions of peaceful protesters sparked international outrage.
• Political repressions increased during the authoritarian regime.
• His emotional repressions made it difficult for him to form close relationships.
• The therapy helped her overcome years of psychological repressions.
• Historical repressions of minority groups are well documented.
• She studied the repressions that occurred during wartime.
• The repressions of creative expression stifled artistic development.