Pronunciation: [ɹɪpɹˈɛsɪz] (IPA) 
The word "represses" is spelled with three syllables: /rɪˈprɛsɪz/. The first syllable begins with the "r" sound (/r/), followed by the short "i" sound (/ɪ/). The second syllable starts with the "p" sound (/p/), followed by the "r" sound (/r/), the short "e" sound (/ɛ/), and the "s" sound (/s/). The third syllable consists of the "z" sound (/z/). The word "represses" means to restrain or prevent.
The verb "represses" refers to the act of suppressing or restraining something, particularly emotions, desires, or thoughts. It involves deliberately inhibiting or keeping something under control, usually due to various external factors or internal constraints.
In the context of emotions, "represses" indicates the conscious effort or defense mechanism employed by an individual to conceal or stifle feelings that are deemed uncomfortable, displeasing, or inappropriate. This could involve bottling up anger, sadness, fear, or other intense emotions, often resulting in the individual burying these emotions deep within themselves.
Similarly, "represses" can also refer to the suppression or denial of desires or impulses. This can manifest when an individual consciously or unconsciously hinders their impulses or longings due to societal norms, personal beliefs, or ethical considerations.
Moreover, the term "represses" can pertain to the psychological process of pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or experiences into the unconscious mind to avoid conscious awareness and subsequent distress. This mechanism could be triggered by traumatic events or subconscious conflicts, leading to the repression of distressing thoughts or memories as a defense mechanism.
In summary, "represses" pertains to the deliberate suppression or control of emotions, desires, or thoughts, whether it be through conscious efforts or unconscious defense mechanisms. It involves inhibiting or burying these mental and emotional aspects due to external factors, societal pressures, or psychological processes.
The word "repress" originates from the Latin word "reprimere", which is a combination of the prefix "re-" meaning "back" or "against", and the verb "primere" meaning "to press". The Latin "reprimere" was adopted into Old French as "reprimer", and later into Middle English where it evolved into "repress". Over time, "repress" gained the specific meaning of suppressing or restraining emotions, desires, or actions.
