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Showing results for repress. Search instead for prepresi.
Definitions

repress

[ri-pres] / rɪˈprɛs /
VERB
keep back, hold in
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crush inhibit muffle quash quell restrain squelch stifle subdue subjugate suppress
STRONG
bottle chasten check collect compose control cool cork curb hinder kill lock master overcome overpower rein shush silence smother swallow
WEAK
black out gridlock hold back jam up keep in keep in check keep under wraps quelch simmer down throw cold water on tie up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist encourage free help let go liberate release start
STRONG
disperse permit scatter surrender yield

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The character tends to repress her feelings, and her initial reaction to John’s death is stoic and reserved.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

It said it will be sanctioning multiple entities, individuals and vessels to “stem the flow of revenue that the regime in Tehran uses to support terrorism abroad and repress its citizens.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 6, 2026

Mr. Klosterman views football as a martial game in which organization, rules and technology repress individuality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

Still, there are some precedents for attempts to repress them.

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

My mind still swirled dizzily, full of images I couldn’t understand, and some I fought to repress.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.