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Repressed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repressed

[rษชหˆprษ›st ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

psychological

Repressed refers to emotions, thoughts, or memories that an individual has unconsciously blocked from their conscious awareness. These repressed feelings often stem from traumatic experiences and can manifest in various psychological symptoms.

Synonyms

hidden, suppressed, unexpressed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repressed

Typically used in psychological contexts where emotions, desires, or memories are pushed out of conscious awareness. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • His repressed anger eventually led to health problems
  • She had repressed memories from her childhood
suppressed

Refers to actively holding back or restraining feelings, processes, or actions. It has a slightly negative connotation and often implies force or effort.

  • The government suppressed the protests quickly
  • She suppressed a giggle during the serious meeting
hidden

Used in general contexts where something is not visible or easily found. It can refer to objects, feelings, or information.

  • He found a hidden treasure chest in the attic
  • She kept her feelings hidden from everyone
unexpressed

Used when emotions, thoughts, or ideas are not shown or communicated. It doesn't carry a strong negative connotation.

  • His unexpressed feelings created a barrier between them
  • The unexpressed opinions of the group were eventually revealed

Examples of usage

  • Her repressed anger towards her father affected her relationships with men.
  • Therapy helped her uncover and process her repressed memories of childhood abuse.
Context #2 | Verb

societal

Repressed can also refer to a group or individual being oppressed or subjected to unfair treatment, often by a dominant group or authority. This can lead to feelings of frustration, powerlessness, and resentment.

Synonyms

oppressed, subjugated, suppressed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
repressed

Used when talking about emotions or desires that are held back or restrained consciously or unconsciously.

  • John had repressed his childhood trauma for many years
  • She repressed her anger during the meeting
oppressed

Used to describe people or groups who are treated harshly or unjustly by those in power, often in a systemic and prolonged manner.

  • The minority groups felt oppressed by the tyrannical regime
  • Throughout history, many people have been oppressed due to their beliefs
subjugated

Used to describe a situation where someone or something is brought under domination or control, often by force. It carries a negative and forceful connotation.

  • The invading army subjugated the local population
  • Throughout history, many civilizations have been subjugated by conquerors
suppressed

Used when talking about actions, information, or emotions that are forcibly kept down or concealed.

  • The government suppressed the news about the protest
  • She suppressed a smile when she heard the compliment

Examples of usage

  • The government repressed the freedom of speech by censoring the media.
  • The repressed minority protested against the discriminatory policies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Repression is a defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with uncomfortable feelings or memories.
  • Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that repressed thoughts could lead to anxiety and other mental health issues.
  • Repressed emotions can manifest physically, causing issues like headaches or stomach problems, as the body reacts to buried feelings.

Sociology

  • Social norms can lead to repressed behaviors; for example, individuals might hide aspects of their identities due to fear of judgment.
  • In some cultures, emotional expression is discouraged, leading to higher rates of repression among populations.
  • Repression can create societal problems, as unexpressed grievances may lead to collective frustration or conflict.

Literature

  • Frank Oโ€™Connorโ€™s short stories often explore themes of repressed emotions and the struggles of personal identity.
  • Repressed feelings can be a central theme in literature, highlighting the internal conflict of characters such as in Shakespeare's works.
  • Contemporary novels often depict protagonists who must confront their repressed feelings to achieve personal growth and revelation.

Mental Health

  • Therapeutic approaches often encourage individuals to confront repressed feelings to promote healing and self-acceptance.
  • Mindfulness and expressive therapies can help release repressed emotions, leading to improved mental well-being.
  • Recognizing repression can be the first step in overcoming anxiety, allowing individuals to express their true selves.

History

  • Throughout history, various political regimes have repressed dissenting voices, demonstrating how power can control emotional expression.
  • The concept of repressing unpopular beliefs dates back to ancient civilizations, where conformity was often enforced.
  • Reprisal against repressed voices has led to artistic movements, where musicians and writers symbolically express what is hidden.

Origin of 'repressed'

The word 'repressed' originated from the Latin word 'repressus', which means 'to press back'. It first appeared in English in the 16th century. The psychological sense of 'repressed' emerged in the 19th century with the development of psychoanalytic theory by Sigmund Freud.

See also: depress, express, impress, oppress, press, pressing, pressingly, pressings, pressure, pressuring, repress.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,362, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.