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 of suppression

• 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

Crews were expected to remain on scene for several more hours to handle further fire suppression and overhaul operations. — Nathalie Marie Palacios, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

Would that mean federal agents stationed around polling places—election suppression with a badge? — Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

The single-seat cockpit also reflects the GXR-Evo’s track intent with a $9,000 racing seat, a state-of-the-art fire-suppression system, and a cooling setup that connects to the helmet. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026

Historians say the conflict and suppression of homesteading slowed early Sacramento’s population and economic growth. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 15 Aug. 2026

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