repress

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'repress' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'repress' to refer to the forcible and often oppressive control of a person or group's freedom, feelings, or behavior. For example: "The oppressive regime repressed any attempts at dissent or rebellion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But around half say they do not favour violent repression".We are not going to use a trigger-happy police force to repress social protest," Mr Kirchner insisted last week.

The Economist

In a statement, Lohvinau staff warned that their case sets "a legal precedent to constrain and repress" publishing, distribution and discussion across Belarus, pointing to a number of cases of non-state newspapers and magazines being closed.

The Guardian

Rupert Murdoch's New York Post was predictably blunter, calling de Blasio a pro-Cuban communist, while the Washington Post got into hot water with a column suggesting "people with conventional views" in other states would have to "repress a gag reflex" when considering him because he was married to an African-American who used to be lesbian.

The Guardian

Furthermore, the addition of streaming data has exacerbated the longtail effect on the top 40, since digital retailers have no shelf-space issues or bargain bin, and never have to delete or repress music.

The Guardian - Music

He said: "Unfortunately, what's happened with the Al-Jazeera journalists is part of an overall attempt to repress freedom of expression, so we have been raising our voice... "It's absolutely right for us to keep up the pressure.

The Guardian

They repress trade rivals.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mill's answer was that the state should repress a man's acts only if they harm others.

The Economist

Harsh as they were, his teachers failed to repress his enthusiasm.

The Economist

As long as rich-country governments insist on imposing an unenforceable prohibition on cocaine consumption, Andean governments will continue to be faced with the thankless task of trying to repress market forces.

The Economist

The SRP, meanwhile, accuses the CPP of exploiting its authority to rig elections and repress dissent.The new arrangements are unlikely to change any of that.

The Economist

The problem, from the state's perspective, is that neither suppression nor co-opting tactics ever fully succeed, especially if the religion in question is great, ancient and resilient.For one thing, if you repress a religion in one place, that can make it thrive elsewhere.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "repress", consider the specific context to determine if a more nuanced synonym like "suppress", "restrain", or "subdue" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "repress" too broadly for simply holding back emotions. While it can apply, consider alternatives like "contain", "manage", or "mask" if the context doesn't involve forceful suppression.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "repress" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being suppressed or controlled. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as repressing social protests, dissent, or even trade rivals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "repress" is a transitive verb commonly used to describe the act of forcefully preventing something from developing or being expressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Analysis of Ludwig's examples indicates it frequently appears in News & Media and Science contexts, with a generally neutral to formal register. While synonyms like "suppress", "quell", and "restrain" exist, the best choice depends on the specific nuance required. It's important to consider the context carefully to avoid overuse or misapplication, ensuring the most accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suppress

Indicates a forceful prevention of something from developing or being expressed, similar to "repress" but often implying a more immediate and direct action.

quell

Suggests a forceful suppression of a rebellion or disturbance, focusing on restoring order.

subdue

Implies bringing someone or something under control, often through force or domination.

restrain

Denotes holding back or limiting an action or emotion, often with a focus on self-control or external constraints.

hold back

Suggests preventing someone or something from moving forward or expressing themselves fully.

stifle

Implies smothering or suppressing something, preventing it from developing or being expressed.

smother

Suggests completely covering or suppressing something, often with a negative connotation.

keep down

Indicates preventing someone or something from rising or improving their position.

subjugate

Implies bringing someone or something under complete control, often through conquest or domination.

crush

Indicates the forceful and complete suppression of something, often with a destructive outcome.

FAQs

How is "repress" used in political contexts?

In political contexts, "repress" typically refers to a government's actions to forcibly suppress dissent, opposition, or rebellion. For example, "The government used the military to "repress social protests"".

What are some synonyms for "repress"?

Synonyms for "repress" include "suppress", "quell", "subdue", "restrain", and "stifle". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "repress" always negative in connotation?

While "repress" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with force and control, it can sometimes be neutral depending on the context. It describes an action and that action may or may not be bad.

Can "repress" be used in psychological contexts?

Yes, in psychology, "repress" can refer to the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or feelings. For example, "The patient was unconsciously trying to "repress feelings" of anger or sadness".