reprimir

to repress

verb rreh-pree-MEER Rare

Origin: from Latin reprimere (to press back)

Also means

to suppress

Usage Note

Reprimir is used for suppressing emotions, protests, or impulses (reprimir las lágrimas, reprimir una revuelta). In political contexts it carries a strong connotation of authoritarian force. The reflexive reprimirse means to hold oneself back. Do not confuse it with reprochar ('to reproach'), a different root and meaning.

Examples

"No pudo reprimir una carcajada."

Natural Translation

He could not repress a burst of laughter.

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