Repression — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ri-ˈpre-shən/ re·pres·sion

Meaning & Definition of Repression

Repression (noun)

  1. the action or process of repressing, the state of being repressed
  2. an instance of repressing
  3. a mental process by which distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses that may give rise to anxiety are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious

Repression (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "psychologists talking about the repression of anger and how it affects one's health"

    similar: constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Repression

The most common words with a similar meaning to Repression:

constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Repression

Words with the opposite meaning of Repression:

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words for Repression

command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms of Repression

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

Word Forms of Repression

Derived words: repressionist (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Repression

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Repression

What does "Repression" mean?

"Repression" means the action or process of repressing, the state of being repressed. As a noun, it is defined as: the action or process of repressing, the state of being repressed.

What is another word for "Repression"?

Other words for "Repression" include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, reserve and restraint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Repression" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Repression"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Repression". Common alternatives include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, refrainment, reserve, restraint, self-command and self-control.

What is the opposite of "Repression"?

Antonyms of "Repression" include disinhibition, incontinence and unconstraint. Near antonyms include self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness and gratification.

How do you use "Repression" in a sentence?

Examples of "Repression" in a sentence: "psychologists talking about the repression of anger and how it affects one's health".

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

"Repression" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Repression"?

"Repression" is pronounced /ri-ˈpre-shən/ and divided into syllables as re·pres·sion.

What is the origin of the word "Repression"?

First known use: 15th century.