What does it mean to "repress"?

To "repress" means to hold back or suppress something, often through force or control. This term is frequently used in psychological contexts to refer to the act of pushing unpleasant thoughts, feelings, or memories out of conscious awareness. The concept implies an active effort to keep such thoughts or emotions from surfacing, often due to their distressing nature.

In this context, choosing the option that indicates putting down or forcefully holding back aligns with the true meaning of "repress." The other choices reflect contrasting actions: expressing emotions freely, enhancing feelings, and ignoring behavior—none of which encapsulate the essence of repression.