REPRESSIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Repressions, in its plural form, refers to the act or process of suppressing or restraining something, typically powerful emotions, desires, or impulses. It is a psychological term that describes the deliberate action of an individual attempting to control or deny their thoughts, feelings, or instincts, often due to societal or personal pressure.
Repressions involve the internalization and subsequent inhibition of unacceptable or socially unacceptable thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. This process can be conscious or unconscious, with individuals suppressing or burying their repressed thoughts and desires deep within their subconscious mind. Repressed emotions may stem from trauma, fears, societal norms, or personal beliefs.
These suppressed feelings and desires may continue to influence an individual's behavior, often manifesting in indirect ways such as dreams, slips of the tongue, or inexplicable emotional reactions. Psychodynamic theories suggest that repressed emotions can contribute to psychological distress and even physical symptoms, highlighting the importance of addressing and resolving repressions through therapy or self-reflection.
Repressions can also be seen in a broader societal context, referring to the act of suppressing or denying certain aspects of culture, history, or individual rights. This often occurs in authoritarian regimes or oppressive social systems where freedom of expression and individuality are restricted. In this sense, repressions limit and stifle the free flow of ideas, creativity, and personal growth.
Common Misspellings for REPRESSIONS
Etymology of REPRESSIONS
The word repressions is derived from the verb repress, which originated from the Latin word reprimere. Reprimere is a combination of the prefix re- (meaning back or again) and the root word primere (meaning to press or push). Over time, the Latin reprimere evolved into the Old French word reprimer, which was eventually anglicized to repress in English. From repress, the noun form repression was derived, representing the act or process of suppressing or restricting something. The plural form of repression is repressions.
