reˈpression: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “reˈpression” mean?
The act of using force to control, subdue, or restrict someone or something, often referring to the suppression of feelings, desires, or social groups.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of using force to control, subdue, or restrict someone or something, often referring to the suppression of feelings, desires, or social groups.
In psychology, the unconscious exclusion of distressing thoughts, memories, or impulses from conscious awareness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently carries strong negative political and psychological connotations in both cultures.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British political and historical discourse, but common in academic contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “reˈpression” in a Sentence
repression of [noun phrase]repression by [agent]repression against [group]repression in [place/time]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reˈpression” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime sought to repress all dissent.
American English
- She tried to repress the memory.
adverb
British English
- The government acted repressively against the movement.
American English
- The thoughts were repressively controlled.
adjective
British English
- The repressive laws were widely criticised.
American English
- He grew up in a repressive household.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; might appear in discussions of corporate culture stifling innovation ('a culture of repression').
Academic
Very common in psychology, political science, history, and sociology to describe social control or psychological defense mechanisms.
Everyday
Used in discussions of politics, personal feelings, or societal issues ('The government's repression of protests was widely condemned').
Technical
Specific meaning in Freudian psychoanalysis as a primary defense mechanism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reˈpression”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reˈpression”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reˈpression”
- Misspelling as 'represion' (single 's').
- Confusing with 'suppression' (which is often more conscious and deliberate).
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'stress' or 'pressure' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Repression is often unconscious (especially in psychology) or systemic/political, while suppression is a conscious, deliberate act of putting an end to something.
Rarely. It is almost always negative, implying the unhealthy or unjust stifling of something natural or rightful.
No. While common in political contexts, it is equally important in psychology (repressing emotions/memories) and can describe social, cultural, or familial control.
The verb is 'to repress'. The adjective is 'repressive'. The adverb is 'repressively'.
The act of using force to control, subdue, or restrict someone or something, often referring to the suppression of feelings, desires, or social groups.
Reˈpression is usually formal, academic in register.
Reˈpression: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈprɛʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈprɛʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A pressure cooker of repression (building tension)”
- “The lid of repression (keeping something contained)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PRESS REpressing (pushing down again) a spring. Re-press-ion.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPRESSION IS A LID/COVER (keeping things down and hidden), REPRESSION IS A BURDEN (a weight suppressing something).
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, what does 'repression' most closely involve?