suppression

noun

sup·​pres·​sion sə-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce suppression (audio)
Synonyms of suppressionnext
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 of suppression

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Examples of suppression in a Sentence

learned that suppression of her angry feelings didn't necessarily make them go away
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those themes of isolation and emotional suppression became the foundation for Brand New Day, shaping Tom Holland‘s performance and the film’s most intimate moments. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026 The emphasis on suppression, Aragüés said, may prevent residents of affected areas from feeling a sense of responsibility and ownership over fire prevention. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 After finding out the fire suppression systems didn't work, Mayor Tom Maglicco and his police chief went to the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office for help. — Chris Hoffman, CBS News, 31 July 2026 In a similar way, the US has experienced this type of suppression through branding within NCAA March Madness, when the women were banned from using the ‘March Madness’ branding and logos until the 2022 tournament. — Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for suppression

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suppression was in the 15th century

Rhymes for suppression

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Browse Nearby Words

suppressible
suppression
suppressio veri
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Cite this Entry

“Suppression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suppression. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

suppression

noun
sup·​pres·​sion sə-ˈpresh-ən How to pronounce suppression (audio)
: 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

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