suppress
suppress Lexical Profile
suppress Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To forcibly put an end to or subdue an activity, rebellion, or opposition.
"Local authorities acted quickly to suppress the unruly demonstration before it escalated."
To consciously restrain or hold back a feeling, reaction, or physical impulse.
"She struggled to suppress a smile during the solemn ceremony."
To prevent the dissemination, publication, or disclosure of information, evidence, or a document.
"The defense attorney argued that the prosecution had attempted to suppress vital evidence."
To prevent or reduce the development, action, or severity of a biological process, symptom, or physical interference.
"The prescribed medication helps suppress the patient's overactive immune response."
Word Nuance & Usage
In psychology and everyday usage, 'suppress' refers to consciously holding back a feeling or thought, whereas 'repress' often implies unconsciously pushing distressing memories out of awareness.
• Rhymes for suppress
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin suppressus, the past participle of comprimere/supprimere ('to press down, stop, or check'), formed from sub- ('under, down') and premere ('to press').