noun
1.
the action or process of putting down by authority or force
the repression of unpopular opinions
Synonyms: choking, extinguishment, quashing, quenching, smothering, squashing, squelching, stifling, strangling, suppression, throttling
Related Word: check, control, curb, restraint; crushing, quelling, subdual
Contrasted words: emboldening, encouragement, support
2.
an instance of putting down by authority or force
repressions of racial minorities
Synonyms: clampdown, crackdown, suppression
Related Word: crushing, extinction, smothering; limitation, restriction