suppression

noun

sup·​pres·​sion sə-ˈpre-shən 

1

: an act or instance of suppressing : the state of being suppressed

2

: the conscious intentional exclusion from consciousness of a thought or feeling

Synonyms

• restraint
• repression
• discipline
• inhibition

Examples of suppression in a Sentence

learned that suppression of her angry feelings didn't necessarily make them go away

Recent Examples on the Web

Bolton’s team is likely to seek dismissal or suppression of materials, arguing political motivation and lack of intent, while the Justice Department pushes to protect classified details. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

The consequences of this voter suppression go beyond who shows up on Election Day. —Tom Lopach, Time, 17 Oct. 2025

What’s more is that chronic lead exposure has also been linked to immune suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage and high blood pressure in adults. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Since crews connected the bridge deck in summer 2024, workers have been installing electrical, drainage and fire suppression systems, along with fencing and barriers for the multi-use path. —Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for suppression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Medical Definition

suppression

noun

sup·​pres·​sion sə-ˈpresh-ən 

: an act or instance of suppressing: as

a

: stoppage of a bodily function or a symptom

suppression of urine secretion

suppression of a cough

b

: the failure of development of a bodily part or organ

c

: the conscious intentional exclusion from consciousness of a thought or feeling compare repression sense 2a