suppress
v.v. to stop something by using force or power. You use this when a government stops a protest or when you try to hide a feeling like a laugh or a cough.
v. to put an end to an activity or publication by force or authority; to consciously inhibit a physiological or emotional response. Transitive — requires a direct object.
She tried to suppress a smile during the serious meeting.
The government used the military to suppress the uprising before it could spread to the capital city.
While the medication is designed to suppress the physical symptoms of the allergy, it does not address the underlying immune system overreaction that causes the sensitivity.
From Latin suppressus, perfect passive participle of supprimō (“press down or under”), from sub (“under”) + premō (“press”).
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently used in political contexts regarding dissent or in medical contexts regarding symptoms.