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.
His self-suppression is a struggle too minor to approach either comedy or tragedy. — David Denby, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 The affected water pipeline provides potable water and fire suppression for all facilities on the South Rim, an area with a large concentration of hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, lodging and visitor services. — Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 Carol Raburn, who worked the March primaries as an election judge in Tarrant County, called the proposal a form of voter suppression. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026 It was agreed that the gang suppression force would strengthen its presence in Port-au-Prince and that Haitian forces would reinforce their deployment in Kenscoff. — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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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