repressible
Definition
Adjective: "repressible" describes something that is capable of being repressed—that is, able to be restrained, suppressed, or controlled. It is often used in contexts involving emotions, actions, or social forces.
Usage Examples
- (Her anger could be controlled, but only with difficulty.)
- (The dissent could be suppressed by force or regulation.)
- (His tears could be held back for a time.)
Advanced Usage
"repressible by": indicating the means of suppression.
- The urge to laugh was repressible by biting his lip. (The urge could be controlled by a physical action.)
"barely repressible": used to emphasize that something is almost uncontrollable.
- Her excitement was barely repressible as she waited for the results. (Her excitement was very difficult to contain.)
Variants and Related Words
Repress (verb): to restrain or suppress.
- He tried to repress his memories of the accident. (He attempted to push the memories away.)
Repression (noun): the act of suppressing or the state of being suppressed.
- The repression of free speech was widely criticized. (The suppression of free expression.)
Repressive (adjective): tending to repress or suppress.
- The repressive regime silenced all opposition. (The regime used force to control.)
Unrepressible (adjective): not capable of being repressed.
- Her laughter was unrepressible during the comedy show. (Her laughter could not be held back.)
Synonyms
- Suppressible: able to be put down or kept from expression.
- Controllable: able to be managed or restrained.
- Restrainable: able to be held back or prevented.
Antonyms
- Unrepressible: not able to be repressed.
- Irrepressible: impossible to control or restrain; often used for energy or enthusiasm.
Related Idioms
To keep a lid on: to suppress or control something, especially emotions or information.
- She could barely keep a lid on her repressible anger. (She struggled to control her anger.)
To hold back: to restrain or prevent from expressing.
- His repressible tears were held back until he was alone. (His tears were kept from flowing.)