Repression is the act of directing one's experiences and memories towards their unconscious mind. It is a defense mechanism that filters a persons memories and determines which memories remain in the conscious mind. The memories which cause anxiety are generally repressed.
Here the memory of Mrs. McBride of criticizing her children causes anxiety so, these memories have been repressed.
They were first mentioned by the political philosopher John Locke. He was very influential for the founding fathers who based the ideas of rights that are self evident on his philosophy.