Repression: meaning, definitions and examples

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repression

[ rɪˈprɛʃən ]

^{Context #1}

in psychology

Repression is a defense mechanism where unpleasant thoughts, memories, or feelings are pushed out of the conscious mind. This process can lead to the individual being unaware of the emotions or memories being repressed.

Synonyms

inhibition, subjugation, suppression

Examples of usage

Her repression of the traumatic event caused her to have recurring nightmares.
Through repression, he was able to temporarily forget about the pain of his past.

^{Context #2}

in politics

Repression refers to the act of using force to control a group of people, often through violence, censorship, or restrictions on freedoms. It is commonly seen in authoritarian regimes.

Synonyms

oppression, suppression, tyranny

Examples of usage

The government's repression of the protestors led to international condemnation.
The regime's repression of free speech resulted in widespread fear among the citizens.

Translations

Translations of the word "repression" in other languages:

🇵🇹 repressão

🇮🇳 दमन

🇩🇪 Unterdrückung

🇮🇩 penindasan

🇺🇦 репресія

🇵🇱 represja

🇯🇵 抑圧 (よくあつ)

🇫🇷 répression

🇪🇸 represión

🇹🇷 baskı

🇰🇷 억압 (억압)

🇸🇦 قمع

🇨🇿 represie

🇸🇰 represia

🇨🇳 镇压 (zhènyā)

🇸🇮 represija

🇮🇸 kúgun

🇰🇿 репрессия

🇬🇪 რეპრესია

🇦🇿 repressiya

🇲🇽 represión

Word origin

The term 'repression' has its origins in the Latin word 'repressio' which means to press back or hold down. It has been used in psychology to describe the defense mechanism since the late 19th century. In the political context, repression has been a common tactic used by oppressive regimes throughout history to maintain control over their populations.