Antonyms for repress


Grammar : Verb
Spell : ri-pres
Phonetic Transcription : rɪˈprɛs


Definition of repress

Origin :
  • late 14c., "to check, restrain," from Latin repressus, past participle of reprimere "hold back, curb," figuratively "check, confine, restrain, refrain," from re- "back" (see re-) + premere "to push" (see press (v.1)).
  • Used of feelings or desires from late 14c.; in the purely psychological sense, it represents German verdrängen (Freud, 1893), first attested 1904 (implied in repressed). Meaning "to put down" (a rebellion, etc.) is from late 15c. Related: Repressed; repressing.
  • verb keep back, hold in
Example sentences :
  • She was quite unable to repress a vulgar interest in the menials that served her.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • The older man could not repress a cold smile—it had had more effect than he had hoped.
  • Extract from : « The Monster Men » by Edgar Rice Burroughs
  • At the sight of it Frank could not repress an exclamation of astonishment.
  • Extract from : « Frank Roscoe's Secret » by Allen Chapman
  • She was unable to repress a glance of admiration at me as she moved off.
  • Extract from : « Ruggles of Red Gap » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • Struggling to repress my tears, I said no more, but passed out, cut to the heart.
  • Extract from : « The First Violin » by Jessie Fothergill
  • I hid my face in my handkerchief to repress my fast-flowing tears.
  • Extract from : « The First Violin » by Jessie Fothergill
  • But he could not repress a shudder as he felt their eyes examining him.
  • Extract from : « Therese Raquin » by Emile Zola
  • Further, let there be a general law which will have a tendency to repress impiety.
  • Extract from : « Laws » by Plato
  • For all her brave words her heart was breaking, and she was holding her breath to repress a sob.
  • Extract from : « The Eternal City » by Hall Caine
  • He could not repress a grin, and the housekeeper noticed it.
  • Extract from : « The Portygee » by Joseph Crosby Lincoln

Synonyms for repress

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019