repressor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “repressor” mean?
Something or someone that actively prevents or suppresses an action, expression, or process.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Something or someone that actively prevents or suppresses an action, expression, or process.
In molecular biology, a protein that binds to DNA and inhibits the transcription of specific genes. More broadly, any agent or system that inhibits a specific activity or expression.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Identical connotations of suppression or inhibition.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard in scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “repressor” in a Sentence
repressor of (something)repressor proteinfunction as a repressorVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “repressor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government sought to repress the uprising.
- She tried to repress her feelings of anger.
American English
- The regime moved to repress dissent.
- He repressed the traumatic memory.
adverb
British English
- [Adverbial form is 'repressively'.] The territory was repressively governed.
American English
- [Adverbial form is 'repressively'.] The system functioned repressively.
adjective
British English
- [Adjectival form is 'repressive'.] The repressive laws were widely condemned.
American English
- [Adjectival form is 'repressive'.] They lived under a repressive regime.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly in metaphorical contexts: 'The new regulations acted as a repressor of innovation.'
Academic
Common in life sciences: 'The researchers identified a novel repressor protein.'
Everyday
Very rare. Used formally for people or systems: 'He was seen as a repressor of free speech.'
Technical
Standard term in genetics and biochemistry: 'The repressor binds to the operator sequence.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “repressor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “repressor”
- Confusing 'repressor' with 'represser' (the latter is a rare, non-technical variant).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'boss' or 'leader' without the strong connotation of suppression.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern usage, especially in science, 'repressor' is the standard spelling. 'Represser' is a rare and archaic variant.
Yes, but it is formal and carries a strongly negative connotation, implying someone who crushes or suppresses others (e.g., a repressor of dissent).
In general language, they are near-synonyms. In specific technical fields (e.g., genetics, electronics), the terms have precise and distinct definitions.
No, it is a low-frequency word outside of specific academic fields like molecular biology, biochemistry, and political science.
Something or someone that actively prevents or suppresses an action, expression, or process.
Repressor is usually formal / technical in register.
Repressor: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpresə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpresər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly use 'repressor'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REpressor as someone who RE-presses down, pushing something back or suppressing it.
Conceptual Metaphor
A repressor is a BLOCK or a LOCK, preventing something from happening or being expressed.
Practice
Quiz
In a non-technical, political context, a 'repressor' is most similar to: