Word
repression
Phoneticsre·pres·sion, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈpɹɛʃən/
UK/ɹɪpɹˈɛʃən/
Definitions
01political control
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the use of force or strict laws by a government to control people and stop them from being free.
n. the action of subduing someone or something by force; specifically, the inhibition of political or social freedom.
“The citizens suffered under years of political repression and had no right to protest.”
“The regime maintained its grip on power through the systematic repression of all dissenting voices and the strict censorship of independent media.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02hiding feelings
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Psychology Technical · Academic
n. the act of pushing painful or scary memories and feelings out of your conscious mind.
n. the psychological process of excluding distressing memories, thoughts, or impulses from the conscious mind.
“He dealt with his childhood trauma through repression, refusing to think about what happened.”
“Freudian theory suggests that emotional repression can lead to various psychological symptoms later in adult life if the underlying conflicts remain unresolved.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun in clinical contexts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“But individuals such as Shlosberg, human rights campaigner Oleg Orlov and the late dissident Alexei Navalny spoke out against “tyranny and repression” from the dock with no realistic chance of acquittal.” “Minorities have been persecuted, while activists and journalists face repression.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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