pent up

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈpent-ˈup,  adj. 

1. confined;
   held in;
   restrained;
   not let out or expressed;
   curbed:
   pent-up rage.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pent-up  (pent′up′), adj. 

1. confined;
   restrained;
   not vented or expressed;
   curbed:
   pent-up emotions; pent-up rage.

• adjective, adjectival use of verb, verbal phrase pent up 1705–15

Synonyms

repressed, suppressed, bottled-up.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pent-up adjective (pent up when postpositive)

1. not released; repressed: pent-up emotions