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

• 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

Firefighters are engaged in aggressive suppression efforts, supported by multiple aircraft and ground resources. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025

In states that have money for fire suppression readily available, contractors may be more confident that they’ll be paid on time. —Sarah Cutler june 28, Idaho Statesman, 28 June 2025

Branden Jones, 34, said that keeping the current election schedule was tantamount to voter suppression. —Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025

This study reveals that the fear of being evaluated, whether positively or negatively, can trigger anxiety, emotional suppression and overthinking, especially in high-stakes social situations like a first date. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 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