How to pronounce repression
Say it like ree-PRESH-un. Repression has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRESH).
- ree
- PRESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Repression pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- PRESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of repression
American and British speakers say repression in essentially the same way: /riˈprɛʃən/ in the US and /riˈprɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ree-PRESH-un.
What does repression mean?
- a state of forcible subjugation“the long repression of Christian sects”
- (psychiatry) the classical defense mechanism that protects you from impulses or ideas that would cause anxiety by preventing them from becoming conscious
- the act of repressing; control by holding down“his goal was the repression of insolence”
Where does repression come from?
From repress + -ion.
Words that rhyme with repression
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of repression.
Questions about saying repression
How do you pronounce repression?
Say ree-PRESH-un. The American pronunciation is /riˈprɛʃən/. In British English it is /riˈprɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in repression?
Repression has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRESH). Broken into parts: ree · PRESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say repression the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /riˈprɛʃən/ and the British form is /riˈprɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.