Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Repressing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😶‍🌫️
Add to dictionary

repressing

[rɪˈprɛsɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

psychological context

Repressing refers to the psychological process of suppressing thoughts, feelings, or memories from conscious awareness. It is often an unconscious defense mechanism employed by individuals to protect themselves from emotional pain or anxiety. This behavior can result in a barrier to experiencing emotions and can lead to various psychological issues if not addressed. Repression can affect personal relationships, decision-making, and overall mental health.

Synonyms

holding back, restraining, stifling, suppressing.

Examples of usage

  • She was repressing her feelings of grief after the loss.
  • He found it difficult to cope because he was repressing his anger.
  • Repressing traumatic memories can lead to long-term psychological effects.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Repression is a defense mechanism that helps protect individuals from experiencing anxiety by pushing undesirable thoughts out of their conscious mind.
  • Freudian theory suggests that repressed memories can influence behavior and emotions without a person realizing it.
  • Therapeutic approaches often focus on helping people uncover and deal with repressed feelings to improve mental health.

History

  • Throughout history, various regimes have used repression to control populations, restricting free speech and dissent.
  • The term gained prominence in the 19th century when discussing both psychological states and political contexts.
  • Significant social movements have often faced repression, where the desires for change were actively suppressed by authorities.

Literature

  • Many writers explore the theme of repression in their works, depicting characters who struggle with their inner feelings, leading to conflict.
  • Notable works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' feature protagonists grappling with repressed emotions and the consequences of not expressing themselves.
  • The motif of repression is also prevalent in poetry, often symbolizing the struggle between societal expectations and personal desires.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'Fight Club' showcase characters who deal with repressed emotions, leading to explosive outcomes when those feelings are unleashed.
  • The song 'Let It Go' from 'Frozen' deals with the idea of letting go of repressed feelings, making it relatable to many audiences.
  • Many TV shows depict characters who suppress their feelings only to face mental health consequences later in the narrative.

Origin of 'repressing'

The term repressing is derived from the Latin word 'reprimere', which means to press back. The prefix 're-' indicates 'back' or 'again', and 'premere' means 'to press'. In psychological contexts, repression was popularized in the early 20th century by Sigmund Freud, who viewed it as a key mechanism in the unconscious mind that helps individuals to cope with anxiety and painful memories. Over time, the understanding of repression has expanded, encompassing not just memories but a wider array of thoughts and feelings. In modern psychology, it is recognized that while repression can serve as a temporary coping strategy, it can also lead to psychological distress if unresolved.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,302, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.