Repress

To suppress or restrain an impulse, feeling, or desire. It can also mean to curb the activities of or to keep under control, as a group or movement. Further, it implies forceful or authoritarian control to prevent free expression or actions. The act of repressing often involves holding something back, preventing its manifestation, or hiding it from oneself or others. This suppression can be emotional, societal, or political. It can result from conscious effort or unconscious psychological mechanisms.

Repress meaning with examples

• He struggled to repress his anger during the argument, taking deep breaths to maintain composure and avoid an outburst. He knew expressing his rage would only escalate the situation and that showing an outward expression of emotion would not help their situation. This attempt to repress his emotions, however, made him tense and uncomfortable, a reaction to the effort made.
• The government was accused of trying to repress dissent through censorship and surveillance, silencing voices critical of its policies. This repression involved restricting the freedom of speech and assembly, as well as controlling the flow of information. By repressing the movement, the government hoped to maintain order, though its actions were condemned by human rights organizations.
• She repressed her memories of the traumatic event, hoping to protect herself from the pain associated with it. The trauma made it difficult to confront her past. This repression of painful experiences allowed her to function on a daily basis, yet the unresolved feelings continued to manifest in various ways, such as anxiety and insomnia.
• The company attempted to repress unionization efforts, fearing that organized labor would drive up costs and reduce profitability. They used intimidation tactics and offered incentives to employees who opposed the movement. This attempt to repress workers' rights was widely criticized, resulting in some internal conflict with the board of directors.