repressed

1 of 2

adjective

re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
Synonyms of repressednext
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
2
: characterized by restraint

repressed

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of repress

Synonyms of repressed

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Adjective

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Examples of repressed in a Sentence

Adjective a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect
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Adjective
Oakley’s spin isn’t one of those gossamer period love stories about repressed emotions — those are there, yes, but the Dashwoods are actively pressing against their station at all times. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2026 Droog takes time to savor his accomplishments while also dealing with years of repressed emotions. — Dylan Green, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026 While Calvinism, weaving, deeply repressed sexuality, and passages in Scottish Gaelic don’t exactly sound like the ingredient list for a riot, Stuart builds a rich universe from these seemingly spartan forms. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026 Pavese situated the story of his time in much longer cycles than the ventennio of Fascism, which, as contemporary history attests, wasn’t so much defeated as repressed. — Max Norman, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for repressed

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repressed was in 1606

Rhymes for repressed

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Browse Nearby Words

re-press
repressed
repressed inflation
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Cite this Entry

“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repressed. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
2
: characterized by a keeping in check

Medical Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
repressed anger
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