repression
noun
re·pres·sion
ri-ˈpre-shən 
1
a
: the action or process of repressing : the state of being repressed
repression of unpopular opinions
b
: an instance of repressing
racial repressions
2
a
: 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
b
: an item so excluded
Examples of repression in a Sentence
the state's repression of its citizens
They survived 60 years of political repression.
Recent Examples on the Web
Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.
—
Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
This is not unique to the Middle East, as other countries around the world face the threat of conflict, or suffer under pressures of economic and political repression.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 18 May 2026
The No Country For Old Men Oscar winner, who earlier spoke about genocide, repression and the political tide turning in Hollywood, then went more macro.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 17 May 2026
Instead of providing convenience, services and consumption, the regime only inflicts repression, intrusion and censorship.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repression
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Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
This is not unique to the Middle East, as other countries around the world face the threat of conflict, or suffer under pressures of economic and political repression.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 18 May 2026
The No Country For Old Men Oscar winner, who earlier spoke about genocide, repression and the political tide turning in Hollywood, then went more macro.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 17 May 2026
Instead of providing convenience, services and consumption, the regime only inflicts repression, intrusion and censorship.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 16 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for repression
Cite this Entry
“Repression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repression. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
repression
noun
re·pres·sion
ri-ˈpresh-ən
1
: the act of repressing : the state of being repressed
2
: a process of the mind by which painful or disturbing thoughts or desires are kept from conscious awareness
Medical Definition
repression
noun
re·pres·sion
ri-ˈpresh-ən
1
: the action or process of repressing
gene repression
2
a
: a process by which unacceptable desires or impulses are excluded from consciousness and left to operate in the unconscious compare suppression sense c
b
: an item so excluded
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