re·press  (ri-pres´), v.t. [ME. repressen < L. respressus, pp. of reprimere; see RE- & PRESS (to squeeze)],  1.  to keep down; hold back; restrain: as, repress a sigh.  2.  to put down; subdue.  3.  to prevent the natural development or expression of; control too strictly or severely: as, the parents repressed  their child.  4.  in psychiatry, a) to force (ideas, impulses, etc. painful to the conscious mind) into the unconscious. where they still modify behavior or remain dynamic. b) to prevent (unconscious ideas, impulses, etc.) from reaching the level of consciousness. Cf. suppress.