Repress vs. Suppress: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on May 4, 2024
Repress generally refers to unconsciously holding back thoughts or emotions, whereas suppress involves consciously trying to control or stop thoughts, emotions, or actions.
Difference Between Repress and Suppress
Repress involves the unconscious blocking of uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or memories from entering awareness, often as a defense mechanism. Whereas, suppress refers to the deliberate effort or conscious act of controlling or stopping undesirable or disruptive emotions, thoughts, or actions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Repressed feelings or memories are typically not accessible without specific therapeutic techniques because they are buried deep in the unconscious mind. On the other hand, suppressed feelings or impulses can still be accessible and are often temporarily set aside by an act of will.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Repression is a psychological term heavily associated with psychoanalytic theory, suggesting it's a protective mechanism that keeps painful experiences out of the conscious mind. Conversely, suppression is more commonly understood in both psychological and general contexts, describing a broader and more deliberate control over one’s immediate impulses or emotions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
In the context of emotional management, repressing feelings can lead to psychological distress or dysfunction if these buried emotions surface unpredictably. Whereas suppression can be seen as a coping strategy, albeit not always effective, that allows individuals to manage their feelings and reactions in a more controlled manner.
Henry
May 04, 2024
Repression can manifest in various psychological symptoms or behaviors that seem disconnected from their unconscious origins, as the person is not aware of the repression taking place. Suppress, on the other hand, might lead to an awareness of the effort to control or deny feelings or thoughts, which can sometimes result in tension or stress.
Lucas
May 04, 2024
Repress vs. Suppress Comparison Chart
Definition
Involves unconsciously hiding or forcing out thoughts.
Involves consciously denying or controlling thoughts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Awareness
Unconscious, without awareness of the action.
Conscious, with awareness of the action.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Origin in Psychology
Rooted in psychoanalytic theory.
Common in general psychological contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Long-term Effects
Can lead to psychological issues if unresolved.
Might cause stress or tension, but generally more manageable.
Lucas
May 04, 2024
Usage in Daily Language
More specific, often used in a psychological context.
Broader, used in both everyday and psychological contexts.
Lucas
May 04, 2024
Repress vs. Suppress Definitions
◉Repress
To keep painful memories out of conscious awareness.
Traumatic events from his childhood were repressed, only surfacing years later.
Olivia
Apr 29, 2024
◉Suppress
To hold back information or stifle a reaction intentionally.
Suppressing laughter during a serious conference can be challenging.
Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Repress
Psychological term indicating the unconscious blocking of disturbing thoughts.
Repress often involves memories that are too painful to handle consciously.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Suppress
A method to manage emotions or reactions deliberately.
He learned to suppress his fear during public speaking.
Kaitlyn
Apr 29, 2024
◉Repress
To prevent unwanted desires or thoughts from becoming conscious.
He repressed his anger towards his friend, hardly realizing it.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Suppress
To consciously halt or control an impulse or emotion.
She suppressed her urge to criticize her colleague openly.
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Repress
To hold back emotions or reactions unconsciously.
She repressed her sadness so deeply that she seemed unaffected.
Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Suppress
Often used in contexts of self-control and regulation.
Suppressing one's emotions is sometimes seen as a strength.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Repress
To hold back or prevent by an act of volition
Couldn't repress a smirk.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To put an end to forcibly; subdue
Suppress a rebellion. See Usage Note at repress.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To curtail or prohibit the activities of
Suppress dissident groups.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
To end, limit, or restrain, as by intimidation or other action
Repress a heresy.
Repress inflation.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To keep from being revealed, published, or circulated
Suppress evidence.
Suppress a film.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
(Psychology) To exclude (painful or disturbing memories, for example) automatically or unconsciously from the conscious mind.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
To prevent (the transcription of a gene or the synthesis of a protein) by the combination of a protein with an operator gene.
Elijah
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To restrain the growth, activity, or release of
Suppress a virus.
Suppress a hemorrhage.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
(transitive) To forcefully prevent an upheaval from developing further.
To repress rebellion or sedition
To repress the first risings of discontent
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To put an end to, especially with force, to crush, do away with; to prohibit, subdue.
Political dissent was brutally suppressed.
Olivia
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To restrain or repress, such as laughter or an expression.
I struggled to suppress my smile.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
(psychiatry) To exclude undesirable thoughts from one's mind.
He unconsciously suppressed his memories of abuse.
Leo
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To prevent publication.
The government suppressed the findings of their research about the true state of the economy.
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To stop a flow or stream.
The rescue team managed to suppress the flow of oil by blasting the drilling hole.
Hot blackcurrant juice mixed with honey may suppress cough.
Jonathan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
To press back or down effectually; to crush down or out; to quell; to subdue; to supress; as, to repress sedition or rebellion; to repress the first risings of discontent.
Levi
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To forbid the use of evidence at trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained.
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
Hence, to check; to restrain; to keep back.
Desire of wine and all delicious drinks, . . . Thou couldst repress.
Nolan
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
(military) To stop or prevent the enemy from executing unwanted activities like firing, regrouping, observation or others.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
Put down by force or intimidation;
The government quashes any attempt of an uprising
China keeps down her dissidents very efficiently
The rich landowners subjugated the peasants working the land
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To overpower and crush; to subdue; to put down; to quell.
Every rebellion, when it is suppressed, doth make the subject weaker, and the prince stronger.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To keep in; to restrain from utterance or vent; as, to suppress the voice; to suppress a smile.
Kaitlyn
Apr 27, 2024
◉Repress
A defense mechanism to avoid emotional discomfort.
He repressed his fear of rejection throughout his life.
Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Suppress
To retain without disclosure; to conceal; not to reveal; to prevent publication of; as, to suppress evidence; to suppress a pamphlet; to suppress the truth.
She suppresses the name, and this keeps him in a pleasing suspense.
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To stop; to restrain; to arrest the discharges of; as, to suppress a diarrhea, or a hemorrhage.
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To put down by force or authority;
Suppress a nascent uprising
Stamp down on littering
Conquer one's desires
Lucas
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
Come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority;
The government oppresses political activists
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
Keep under control; keep in check;
Suppress a smile
Keep your temper
Keep your cool
Henry
Apr 27, 2024
◉Suppress
To intentionally prevent oneself from expressing thoughts or emotions.
He suppressed his anger to maintain peace during the meeting.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Repress vs. Suppress Frequently Asked Questions
Can suppression be a temporary solution to emotional distress?
Yes, suppression can be used temporarily to manage emotions in situations where immediate expression is inappropriate or unfeasible.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
How does one identify if they are repressing or suppressing emotions?
Repression is unconscious and might only be recognized through therapy, whereas suppression is a conscious act and more easily identifiable.
Levi
May 04, 2024
Is it healthier to suppress or express emotions?
Expressing emotions in a healthy way is generally considered better for mental health than suppressing them.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
How do people generally become aware of their repressed emotions?
Awareness often comes through symptoms or during therapy, where repressed issues are explored.
Jonathan
May 04, 2024
What is the main difference between repress and suppress?
Repress is about unconsciously hiding emotions or thoughts, while suppress involves a conscious effort to control them.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
What are the psychological risks of repression?
Repression can lead to psychological distress and symptoms such as anxiety or depression when unresolved emotions surface.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
How does suppression affect relationships?
Suppression can strain relationships if it prevents open communication and emotional honesty.
Jonathan
May 04, 2024
Can repressed memories affect behavior?
Yes, repressed memories can influence behavior and emotional responses, often without the individual's conscious awareness.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
What role does repression play in psychoanalytic theory?
In psychoanalytic theory, repression is crucial as it protects the conscious mind from painful or disturbing thoughts.
Jonathan
May 04, 2024
Are there therapeutic techniques to address repression?
Yes, techniques like psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioral therapy can help uncover and address repressed memories and emotions.
Elijah
May 04, 2024
Can suppression be beneficial in professional settings?
Yes, suppressing emotions can be beneficial in professional settings where emotional neutrality is necessary.
Muneeza Rehman
May 04, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
