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.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read