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

Where Masculinity Is Reimagined, Vulnerability Becomes Relational Intelligence Contemporary research challenges the outdated notion that masculinity requires emotional suppression. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

Firefighters continue to assess fire suppression control-line locations and dozers are extending and connecting those lines already developed. —Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 16 May 2025

Fire engine crews will be on-scene for a few hours this morning working on suppression repair. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025

King testified against Senate Bill 4 in January, calling it a voter suppression bill. —Tyler Kirby, Kansas City Star, 16 May 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