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Definition of repressed

repressed

/rɪˈprɛst/
re · pressed
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repressed Lexical Profile

repressed Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Restrained, inhibited, or kept under control, especially regarding natural desires, impulses, or emotions.

Example

"Years of strict upbringing had left him emotionally repressed and reluctant to share his feelings."

2

Unconsciously excluded or blocked from conscious awareness, as of a painful memory, trauma, or unacceptable impulse.

Example

"During therapy, the patient began to examine repressed memories from his early childhood."

3

Subjected to political, social, or institutional subjugation and kept from exercising freedom or rights.

Example

"The documentary highlighted the struggles of repressed minority groups seeking legal reform."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In psychological contexts, "repressed" refers to feelings or memories unconsciously excluded from awareness, whereas "suppressed" refers to thoughts or emotions consciously and deliberately held back.

• Rhymes for repressed

• Nearby Words

representational
representative
repress
repressed
repression
repressive
repressively

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the past participle of the verb "repress," which entered Middle English from the Latin *repressus* (meaning "held back" or "checked"), from *re-* ("back") and *premere* ("to press").

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Repressed. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/repressed
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