Repress — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ri-ˈpres/ re·press

Meaning & Definition of Repress

Repress (verb)

  1. to check by or as if by pressure, curb
  2. to put down by force, subdue
  3. to hold in by self-control

Repress (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put a stop to (something) by the use of force

    "quickly repressed the rebellion in the provincial city and restored order"

    similar: clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, sit on
    related: douse, extinguish, put out, quench, smother, stifle, strangle, throttle, annihilate, decimate, demolish, desolate, destroy, devastate, nuke, rub out, ruin, smash, waste, wreck, exterminate, obliterate, wipe out, conquer, dominate, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, subjugate, vanquish
    near: abet, aid, assist, back, help, prop up, support, foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir, whip (up), advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

  2. to refrain from openly showing or uttering

    "you can't repress your feelings forever, so tell her how you feel about her"

    similar: choke (back), hold back, pocket, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, suppress, swallow
    related: control, govern, manage, bridle, check, curb, quash, quell, bottle up, contain, muffle, squelch
    near: express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Repress

The most common words with a similar meaning to Repress:

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress, choke (back), hold back, pocket, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, swallow, sit on

Related Words for Repress

douse, extinguish, put out, quench, throttle, annihilate, decimate, demolish, desolate, destroy, devastate, nuke, rub out, ruin, smash, waste, wreck, exterminate, obliterate, wipe out, conquer, dominate, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, subjugate, vanquish, control, govern, manage

Near Antonyms of Repress

abet, aid, assist, back, help, prop up, support, foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir, whip (up), advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote, express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent

Word Forms of Repress

Inflections: repressed, repressing, represses

Derived words: repressibility (noun), repressible (adjective), repressive (adjective), repressively (adverb), repressiveness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Repress

Middle English, from Anglo-French represser, from Latin repressus, past participle of reprimere to check, from re- + premere to press press

First known use: 14th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Repress

What does "Repress" mean?

"Repress" means to check by or as if by pressure, curb. As a verb, it is defined as: to check by or as if by pressure, curb. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Repress"?

Other words for "Repress" include clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, silence and slap down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Repress" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Repress"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Repress". Common alternatives include clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, silence, slap down, snuff (out) and squash.

How do you use "Repress" in a sentence?

Examples of "Repress" in a sentence: "quickly repressed the rebellion in the provincial city and restored order"; "you can't repress your feelings forever, so tell her how you feel about her".

Is "Repress" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Repress" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Repress"?

"Repress" is pronounced /ri-ˈpres/ and divided into syllables as re·press.

What is the origin of the word "Repress"?

"Repress" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French represser, from Latin repressus, past participle of reprimere to check, from re- + premere to press press. First known use: 14th centuryt.

What is another word for "Repress" meaning "to put a stop to (something) by the use of force"?

When "Repress" (verb) means to put a stop to (something) by the use of force, synonyms include clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash and quell.