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Showing results for repress. Search instead for irrepress.
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.

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

Author and psychotherapist Jennifer Cox told Radio 4 Woman's Hour she believes women are "conditioned" to repress feelings of "frustration, anger, aggression and rage".

From BBC • Jan. 19, 2026

He works hard, has high energy, can’t repress his essential nature.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

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

From Salon • Sep. 19, 2025

I had been struggling with tears for some time: I had taken great pains to repress them, because I knew he would not like to see me weep.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

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