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

• constraint
• continence
• discipline
• discretion
• inhibition
• refrainment
• repression
• reserve
• restraint
• self-command
• self-control
• self-restraint

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

The chairman said the operation included deception and suppression tactics to ensure the safety of the U.S. aircraft. —Luis Martinez, ABC News, 22 June 2025

Now, the group has a new exhibition opening Sunday at the San Diego Central Library that’s an expansion of the resistance to censorship that includes not just books and public libraries, but all areas of the suppression of ideas and art. —Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025

On a final note: Though none of the artwork on display is offered for individual sale, there is an agricultural-grade fire suppression system on the land for that all-important peace of mind. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 June 2025

Voter suppression tactics such as literacy tests and poll taxes. —Willie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 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