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
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The post also states that fire suppression resources will be stationed on-site. — Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 1 July 2026 But in the kitchen, things go awry again when some sauce boils over onto a burner, activating a safety suppression feature that automatically shuts down the appliance for a half-hour. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026 These types of suits, such as this one brought by the Republican National Committee, plainly intend to promote voter suppression. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 On this occasion, France freshened up their left side with Lucas Digne and Bradley Barcola coming in, and there was no suppression of quality. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 30 June 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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on suppression

Nglish: Translation of suppression for Spanish Speakers

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