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

Reid highlighted Abrams’ experience as a visionary and disruptor, succeeding in getting 90% of Black Georgians registered to vote, while Abrams shared how Kemp continues to pass extensive voter suppression bills in response. —Essence, 10 July 2024

But with the opposition alliance holding nearly half of the Lok Sabha, experts say that sort of suppression will be far more difficult. —Fahad Shah, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 June 2024

New focus for police: Intelligence over suppression Sgt. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 13 June 2024

Michael Pettis has gone a step further, arguing that trade based on China’s policies of wage suppression leaves everyone—workers outside and inside China—worse off. —Dev Patel, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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