repressed
Definition
Adjective: 1. Having emotions, desires, or impulses that are restrained or held back, often unconsciously, due to internal conflict, social conditioning, or psychological defense mechanisms. This describes a state where feelings are not expressed or acknowledged, potentially leading to tension or influencing behavior indirectly. 2. Subjected to the psychological process of repression, where distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings are excluded from conscious awareness.
Usage and Examples
- Describing a person's character or demeanor:
- He was a very repressed individual, rarely showing any strong emotion.
- Her repressed upbringing made it difficult for her to express anger openly.
- Describing emotions or impulses:
- She felt a surge of repressed jealousy.
- The therapy aimed to uncover his repressed memories of the event.
- Describing behavior resulting from such restraint:
- Their laughter had a repressed, nervous quality.
Advanced Usage
- In a sociological or political context: The term can describe groups or societies where certain forms of expression are systematically suppressed.
- The repressed masses eventually rose up against the regime.
- As a verb (to repress): The action of suppressing or holding back.
- He tried to repress his feelings of anxiety.
Variants and Related Words
- Repress (verb): To subdue or hold back by force; to prevent the natural expression of.
- to repress a sigh
- Repression (noun): The action or process of repressing; the psychological defense mechanism.
- sexual repression
- Repressive (adjective): Serving to repress, especially by harsh or authoritarian means.
- a repressive government
Synonyms
- Inhibited
- Restrained
- Pent-up
- Suppressed
- Frustrated
- Smothered
Antonyms
- Uninhibited
- Expressive
- Unrestrained
- Liberated
- Outgoing
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Bottled up: Very similar in meaning to "pent-up," describing emotions that are contained and not released.
- His bottled-up resentment finally exploded.
- To let off steam: To release repressed energy or emotion through activity.
- After the stressful meeting, he went for a run to let off steam.
Adjective
-
characterized by or showing the suppression of impulses or emotions
-
her severe upbringing had left her inhibited
-
a very inhibited young man, anxious and ill at ease
-
their reactions were partly the product of pent-up emotions
-
repressed rage turned his face scarlet
-
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