Meaning & Definition of Suppress in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To forcibly put an end to.

  Example Sentence: The government decided to suppress the protests.

• Definition: To prevent the dissemination of information.

  Example Sentence: The company tried to suppress the bad news about their product.

• Definition: To restrain or inhibit an emotion or action.

  Example Sentence: She had to suppress her laughter during the serious meeting.

• Definition: To overpower or overcome.

  Example Sentence: The police were called to suppress the riot.

• Definition: To reduce the intensity of something.

  Example Sentence: He took medication to suppress his allergy symptoms.

Etymology

Origin: Late Latin suppressus, past participle of suprimere 'to press down, hold down'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• suppress the truth: To hide or conceal the truth from others.
• suppress a laugh: To hold back laughter.
• suppress emotions: To control or restrain one's feelings.

Translations

• Spanish: suprimir

• French: réprimer

• German: unterdrücken

• Russian: подавлять

Related Words

• repress: To restrain or prevent from being expressed or acted upon.

• subdue: To bring under control, especially by force.

• quash: To reject or void, especially by legal means.

Slang Meanings of suppress

• Meaning: To shut someone down.

  Example Sentence: He really suppressed her wild ideas at the meeting.

• Meaning: To keep it on the low.

  Example Sentence: They’re suppressing the whole situation until it blows over.