The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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suppress

verb

/səˈprɛs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of suppress

To prevent or restrain something from being expressed, disclosed, or released.
"He had to suppress his anger when he received the disappointing news."

Detailed meaning of suppress

This verb is often used to describe actions taken to control or stop the spread of something undesirable, such as a disease, an uprising, or information. Suppressing can involve both physical and psychological means, such as censorship, force, intimidation, or deception. When used in the context of emotions or feelings, suppressing refers to the act of deliberately holding back or concealing one's true thoughts or feelings, often out of fear, shame, or politeness. This verb can also be used to describe the act of reducing or eliminating something, such as noise, appetite, or a physiological response. In general, suppressing involves exerting some form of control or influence over a situation or a person to limit or eliminate something perceived as problematic or unwanted.

Example sentences containing suppress

1. He tried to suppress his anger and maintain composure.
2. The government attempted to suppress the protests with force.
3. She had to suppress her laughter during the serious meeting.
4. The medication helped suppress the symptoms of the illness.
5. The dictator used propaganda to suppress dissenting voices.
6. He struggled to suppress his fear and continue forward.

History and etymology of suppress

The verb 'suppress' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'suppressus,' which is the past participle of 'supprimere.' This Latin term is a combination of 'sub' meaning 'under' and 'primere' meaning 'to press' or 'to push.' The original sense of 'suppress' in Latin conveyed the idea of pressing something down or restraining it from emerging. As the word made its way into English, it came to signify the act of preventing or restraining something from being expressed, disclosed, or released, often with the intent of keeping it hidden or under control. The etymology of 'suppress' underscores the concept of applying pressure to keep something in check, reflecting its historical and ongoing usage to describe the inhibition or concealment of various forms of expression or information.

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Further usage examples of suppress

1. The authorities sought to suppress the spread of false information.
2. She tried to suppress her disappointment upon hearing the news.
3. The security forces used tear gas to suppress the crowd.
4. He tried to suppress his tears and put on a brave face.
5. The censorship board worked to suppress controversial content.
6. The medication can help suppress appetite and aid in weight loss.
7. They used a noise machine to suppress the sound of their conversation.
8. The regime attempted to suppress any form of opposition.
9. The company made efforts to suppress negative reviews.
10. He tried to suppress his excitement and remain composed.
11. The team employed defensive strategies to suppress the opposing team's offense.
12. The medication is designed to suppress the immune response.
13. The suppressor on the gun helps suppress the noise of the shot.
14. She had to suppress her desire to speak out and keep quiet.