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

The graduates completed an 11-week training program that included instruction in fire suppression, hazmat operations and technical rescue, along with other vital firefighting skills, a release said. —Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Officials said the building's fire suppression system did go off, but was unable to extinguish the fire on its own. —Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026

In comparison, Germany recently pledged 30 million euros to the gang suppression mission following an initial 10 million euros to the Kenya force. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 26 Dec. 2025

The department shared plans to receive 1,100 sets of non-PFAS turnout gear—one set for every frontline suppression member—by the end of the month. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Dec. 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