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

The way the Ear (open) pick up the wearer’s voice is impressive and the noise suppression makes clear phone calls possible, even in noisy environments that might otherwise make phone calls or video conferences difficult. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

The dams, coupled with fire suppression, overindustrialization of the forests, and basin replumbing all took their toll on the river. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2024

The group advocated for criminal justice reform and opposed police violence, while also combating voter suppression by recruiting poll workers and helping turn 10 arenas into voting sites, while working with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Aug. 2024

Before designing the innovative garage, WSP engineers had to assess the depot's unique fire risk, borrowing expertise from fire suppression techniques in tunnels. —Joann Muller, Axios, 8 Aug. 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