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

This is how climate change contributed to the California wildfires That increase in fire suppression needs has taken away from the Forest Service's other responsibilities, such as restoration, recreation, conservation and law enforcement, Safford said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025

As a result, testimony from unnamed witnesses on a variety of suppression arguments was shielded from the public eye. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 24 Jan. 2025

Officials are also assessing potential threats to nearby structures as suppression efforts continue. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

Assignments included gang suppression and a stint in an FBI violent crimes fugitive task force. —Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 22 Jan. 2025

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