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

Adrenal suppression can lead to fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, followed by drowsiness, coma and even death, if untreated. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

Over the past two decades, however, intense partisanship, regional political blocs, voter suppression efforts, and new media have produced a quarter-century of close, volatile elections— much like in the Gilded Age. —Bruce J. Schulman / Made By History, TIME, 13 Dec. 2024

How? Genetic studies of Galápagos giant tortoises revealed variants that aid cancer suppression, anti-inflammatory immune responses and DNA repair. —Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Dec. 2024

Why would citizens anywhere tolerate this suppression of neighborhood health, of truly equitable wealth building and the delivery of a quality education for their children? —Kyle Smitley, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

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