repressed

adjective

re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
2
: characterized by restraint

Examples of repressed in a Sentence

a 19th-century church in the repressed style favored by the strict religious sect
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The introduction of Spacek as Molly’s mother, Gail, is a needed catalyst that drives Molly’s repressed trauma out into the light. Erin Qualey, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025 Gail Baines is buttoned-up, repressed school administrator who struggles to connect to people, including her co-workers, her daughter Debbie, and her ex-husband, Max. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2025 For you, the equinox marks a time to face repressed emotions and memories that have been lingering in your psyche for a while. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025 Three generations of the Kim family have created a politically repressed and economically impoverished state that is nonetheless a pivotal actor on the global stage. Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for repressed

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of repressed was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Repressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repressed. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
1
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
2
: characterized by a keeping in check

Medical Definition

repressed

adjective
re·​pressed ri-ˈprest How to pronounce repressed (audio)
: subjected to or marked by repression
a repressed child
repressed anger

More from Merriam-Webster on repressed

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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