Definition of repress

The word "repress" originated in the late 19th century as a medical term to describe the suppression or controlling of physiological functions, such as heart rate or perspiration, through psychological means. The psychological theories behind this concept were developed by Sigmund Freud, who proposed in his psychoanalytic theory that human beings have unconscious desires and intentions that are often suppressed or repressed by conscious thoughts and feelings in order to maintain social norms and prevent negative consequences. The word "repress" therefore came to represent the unconscious act of inhibiting and suppressing an individual's thoughts, feelings, and desires in order to conform to societal norms and prevent potential conflicts or negative outcomes. This concept continues to have significance in fields such as psychology, sociology, and political science, where it is used to explain various social and cultural phenomena.