French word

réprimer

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁepʁime/

Meaning

  • verbsuppress

Example

Il a essayé de réprimer son rire pendant la réunion.

He tried to suppress his laughter during the meeting.

Illustration for réprimer (suppress)

More examples

Elle n'arrive pas à réprimer ses larmes.

She can't suppress her tears.

Core concept

Something rising outward is forced back by self-control or by an external authority.

Common phrases

  • réprimer un rire

    suppress a laugh

  • réprimer une envie

    suppress an urge

  • réprimer la colère

    suppress anger

Similar words

retenir: Hold back words before they are spoken or actions before they are carried out.
étouffer: Stifle laughter or a voice so others do not notice.
maîtriser: Control strong emotions or impulses and restore calm.
refouler: Push unwanted feelings or memories deep into the mind.

Definition in French

Limiter ou empêcher l'expression d'une émotion, d'un comportement ou d'une réaction, par maîtrise intérieure ou par contrainte extérieure.

Word origin

French réprimer preserves the idea of Latin re- plus premere, 'to press back,' extended from physical pressure to emotions and behavior.

Usage tips

  • The noun répression shares this root and usually refers to organized or coercive suppression, while réprimer also describes personal restraint.

Other meanings

  • repressverb
  • restrainverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word