repress
UK: rɪˈpres | US: rɪˈpres
vt. to restrain or suppress (an emotion, action, or idea) by force
vt. to subdue (a person or group) by oppressive measures
vt. (psychology) to unconsciously exclude distressing thoughts from conscious awareness
The word "repress" originated in Late Middle English via Old French represser, derived from Latin reprimere ("to press back"). The Latin roots re- (back) + premere (to push) vividly depict the act of pushing something down or holding it back—whether emotions, actions, or people. Over time, it evolved to encompass psychological suppression, reflecting the metaphorical "pushing down" of thoughts.
The government tried to repress protests by imposing a curfew.
She struggled to repress her anger during the argument.
Traumatic memories are often repressed unconsciously.
The dictator repressed all opposition for decades.
He repressed a sigh of frustration during the meeting.