réprimer

Senses

1. 1.

   to repress, to suppress

   to forcibly prevent or control a feeling, action, or group

2. 2.

   to punish, to penalize

   to impose a penalty for wrongdoing

3. 3.

   to crush (a revolt, rebellion)

   to suppress forcefully by using authority or force

Examples

• "Le gouvernement a réprimé la manifestation avec force."

  The government crushed the demonstration with force.

• "Il essayait de réprimer son envie de rire."

  He was trying to suppress his urge to laugh.

• "La police a réprimé les pillages dans la rue."

  Police penalized the looting on the street.

Usage

Formal register. Often used with emotions, protests, and social unrest. Frequently collocates with nouns like revolte, manifestation, envie. Note: réprimer means to suppress or forcibly control, while reprendre means to take back or resume (different word).