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

Cal Fire and the U.S. Forest Service have made some progress with thinning and prescribed burns in forests, but much more needs to be done after decades of fire suppression has allowed too much dead wood and brush to build up, especially with climate change increasing temperatures, Stephens said. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

In Washington, Clark County officials said at least 488 ballots were damaged as a result of a failure of the fire suppression system in its box. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2024

Each state runs its own elections, but many drop boxes have fire suppression systems, and many boxes are monitored with surveillance cameras; some states require monitoring by staff or a video camera. —Jill Terreri Ramos, Austin American-Statesman, 2 Nov. 2024

Additionally, the production of insulating foams and certain industrial fire suppression systems released these harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. —Tom Howarth follow, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 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