Pent-up – held; not released

(Pronounced pent-uhp)

To remember the definition of the word pent-up, use the following mnemonic:

The penthouse is up (pent-up) at the top of the building and I was held there for no reason, I was not released for years.

Examples of pent-up in a sentence

The overwhelmed woman released all of her pent-up emotions through a cry. 

The rowdy dog's owner encouraged her to run around the field so she could release some of her pent-up energy.

Punching the wall, he let go of some of the pent-up anger he had been keeping after being dumped.