repressed

adjective

re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
2
: characterized by restraint

Examples of repressed in a Sentence

a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shadow: Disconnected from desires, unresolved trauma, addiction, repressed emotions, lack of energy. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025 And a vision of Maman lost, deformed, reformed, disappeared, reappeared in the clouds—in repressed, compressed, thinning, regathering clouds of torment. Hélène Bessette, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 The process unearths other repressed emotions, especially about his early years. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025 As Mercury and Pluto harmonize, a repressed source of stress or fear is revealed! USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repressed

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repressed was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repressed. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
2
: characterized by a keeping in check

Medical Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
repressed anger

More from Merriam-Webster on repressed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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