repression

//rɪˈprɛʃən//
C1Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of repression

Noun

repressionSingular
repressionsPlural
1

The act of subduing or suppressing something, especially by force or authority; the restraint or prevention of freedoms, rights, or expressions.

The government's repression of free speech led to widespread protests.

2

In psychology, the unconscious exclusion of painful impulses, desires, or fears from the conscious mind.

The therapist helped her understand that her anxiety might be linked to the repression of childhood memories.