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

Chronic lead exposure has been linked to immune suppression, reproductive problems, kidney damage, and high blood pressure in adults. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026

Cambodian workers who power the country’s export economy remain exposed to unsafe working conditions, poverty wages and systematic union suppression. —Tharo Khun, Sourcing Journal, 8 Jan. 2026

There were massacres, suppression of speech, banning of political opposition, closing of non-Islamist press, jailing of opponents and public executions of political and religious enemies. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026

Because the chemistry is non‑flammable and doesn’t undergo thermal runaway, projects can be sited closer to the load with simpler fire suppression, changing the economics of distribution‑level storage. —Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 6 Jan. 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