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

Impact: Leads to emotional suppression and anxiety. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 1 Jan. 2025

This perspective has gained traction among those who view the H-1B visa as a tool for wage suppression and outsourcing, rather than a means of attracting global talent to drive innovation and economic growth. —Jack Kelly, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

The tour included the web of drilling sites, pipes already delivering water to support operations and dust suppression. —Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 19 Dec. 2024

At MoMA, the effect of these languages sounding together extends the metaphor of Daphne’s silencing to the suppression and eradication of thousands of linguistic systems and, with it, their cultures. —Mariana Fernández, ARTnews.com, 18 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