压抑 (yā yì) is a verb meaning 'to suppress' or 'to repress', especially emotions, desires, or natural impulses. The character 压 (yā) means 'to press down' or 'to weigh down', while 抑 (yì) means 'to restrain' or 'to hold back'. Together, they convey the sense of forcefully holding something inward — often feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety — rather than expressing them openly. It frequently appears in psychological, medical, or interpersonal contexts, describing internal emotional control that may be intentional or habitual.

This word carries a slightly negative connotation: long-term suppression can imply emotional strain or mental health concerns. It’s commonly used with nouns like 情绪 (emotions), 欲望 (desires), or 本能 (instincts), and often appears in sentences with subjects like 他, 我, or 人们. Unlike neutral terms like 控制 (to control), 压抑 suggests tension, resistance, and potential harm if sustained.