# repressed

/ɹiˈpɹɛst/ (US) · /ɹɪpɹˈɛst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/repressed
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

keeping your feelings or desires hidden and not allowing yourself to express them. It often describes someone who is unable to show their true emotions because of social pressure or past experiences.

For teachers: characterised by the suppression of impulses, emotions, or memories, particularly those that are socially unacceptable or psychologically painful. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'remain'.

## Examples

- He is very repressed and never talks about his feelings.
- The character in the novel is a repressed clerk who finally finds his voice after moving to a new city.
- Psychologists argue that repressed memories can manifest as physical symptoms if the individual does not find a healthy outlet for their underlying emotional trauma.

## Usage notes

- Often functions as a participial adjective; frequently appears before nouns like 'emotions', 'desires', or 'memories'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.