What does repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed mean?

The phrase "repression works only to strengthen and knit the repressed" suggests that attempts to suppress or deny certain thoughts, feelings, or movements often lead to a greater unification and resilience among those being repressed. Instead of diminishing their strength, repression can galvanize solidarity and resolve among individuals or groups, making them more determined to assert their identity or demands. This phenomenon highlights the paradoxical nature of repression, where efforts to control can inadvertently empower the oppressed.