irrépressible

irrepressible, uncontrollable

adjective ee-reh-preh-SEEBL Rare

Origin: From Latin in- (not) + reprimere (to repress) + -ible.

Usage Note

Irrépressible describes impulses, emotions, or laughter that cannot be held back — un fou rire irrépressible is an uncontrollable fit of giggles. It is invariable by gender. The related verb réprimer means to suppress or repress; répressible (repressible) exists but is rarely used.

Examples

"Elle ressentit un désir irrépressible de rire."

Natural Translation

She felt an irrepressible urge to laugh.

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