repress
ruh-PREHS
Repress (verb) means to use force to stop an uprising, protest, or similar unrest from growing. Example: “The government sent troops to repress the demonstrations.”
verb
1
To use force to stop an uprising, protest, or similar unrest from growing.
"The government sent troops to repress the demonstrations."
2
To hold back or restrain a feeling, urge, or reaction.
"He struggled to repress a laugh during the serious meeting."
How to use repress
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold down or crush something, whether an emotion or a rebellion.
Common pairings
repress a smile
repress dissent
repress an urge
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Word forms
- Plural
- represses
- Third person singular
- represses
- Past tense
- repressed
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Can you complete this real example?
The government sent troops to _____ the demonstrations.
Etymology
From Latin repressus, the past participle of reprimere, "to press back" — from re- plus premere ("to press").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for repress
See all rhymes for repress →Frequently asked questions
What does “repress” mean?
The word “repress” means to use force to stop an uprising, protest, or similar unrest from growing. In plain terms, to hold down or crush something, whether an emotion or a rebellion.
How do you pronounce “repress”?
“Repress” is pronounced ruh-PREHS (/ɹəˈpɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “repress” in a sentence?
Here is “repress” used in a sentence: “The government sent troops to repress the demonstrations.”
What part of speech is “repress”?
“Repress” is a verb.
Where does the word “repress” come from?
The word “repress” comes from Latin. From Latin repressus, the past participle of reprimere, "to press back" — from re- plus premere ("to press").
How many meanings does “repress” have?
“Repress” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to use force to stop an uprising, protest, or similar unrest from growing.
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