Is 'repress' formal or informal?

What is the difference between 'repress' and 'suppress'?

How do I use 'repress' in a sentence?

Is 'repress' common in academic writing?

← Dictionary

repress

/rɪˈprɛs/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To stop yourself from showing or acting on an emotion or desire.

He repressed his doubts to finish the task.
She learned to repress negative thoughts.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'repress' implies holding back by inner effort, while 'suppress' suggests forceful external control; 'restrain' focuses on physical holding. Choose 'repress' for emotional self-control, 'suppress' for systems imposing control.

In other languages

Spanish: reprimir
Japanese: 抑える
Korean: 억누르다
Vietnamese: kìm nén
Chinese: 压抑

Etymology

Not selected

Common phrases

repress angerrepress a memoryrepress dissentrepress the urge

Synonyms

check hold back keep down stifle subdue

Frequently asked questions

Is 'repress' formal or informal?: Is 'repress' formal or informal?
What is the difference between 'repress' and 'suppress'?: What is the difference between 'repress' and 'suppress'?
How do I use 'repress' in a sentence?: How do I use 'repress' in a sentence?
Is 'repress' common in academic writing?: Is 'repress' common in academic writing?