pent up
Held too long
Pent up describes emotions, energy, or pressure that has been held back and is ready to release.
Frustration, anger, or desire builds when unexpressed: Years of pent-up resentment finally spilled out.
The phrase suggests containment under pressure—what's pent up wants out.
Often hyphenated before a noun: pent-up demand, pent-up energy.
Kept within bounds
- trappedUnable to escape
- cagedConfined by bars
- cooped upConfined in small space
- boxed inConfined without options
hemmed in · enclosed · imprisoned · bottled up · held back · locked in · penned · restrained
Held back from expression
- bottledStored in glass vessels
- stifledForcibly held in
- smotheredDeprived of air
- buriedPlaced beneath earth
hidden · unexpressed · unspoken · withheld · subdued · quashed · silenced · concealed
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- rageIntense, violent anger
- furyIntense violent anger
irritation · bitterness · hostility · anxiety · longing · desire · grief · passion
confined
Kept within bounds
boxed in · hemmed in · enclosed · imprisoned · bottled up · held back · locked in · penned · restrained · contained
repressed
Held back from expression
buried · hidden · unexpressed · unspoken · withheld · subdued · quashed · silenced · concealed · unreleased
frustration
Displeasure from blocked efforts
- angerIntense hostile emotion
- resentmentPersistent bitter displeasure
- rageIntense, violent anger
fury · irritation · bitterness · hostility · anxiety · longing · desire · grief · passion · aggression