What does "suppression" mean?

1. (stopping by force) the act of using force to stop something from happening or being known. 2. (hiding feelings) the act of choosing to ignore or hide a difficult thought or feeling. 3. (military fire) firing weapons at an enemy to stop them from moving or firing back. 4. (medical/biological) the act of stopping a natural process in the body, like an allergy or a cough.

How do you use "suppression"?

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.

suppression

US //səˈpɹɛʃən// UK //səpɹˈɛʃən// sup·pres·sion

1 stopping by force (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of using force to stop something from happening or being known.

the forceful prevention of an action, process, or the public disclosure of information.

Example

The government was criticized for the suppression of free speech during the protests.

Example

The systematic suppression of dissent within the occupied territories led to a significant humanitarian crisis that drew international condemnation.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
- repression
- containment
- quashing
- encouragement
- liberation
2 hiding feelings (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Psychology

the act of choosing to ignore or hide a difficult thought or feeling.

the conscious exclusion of painful or socially unacceptable impulses, thoughts, or memories from the mind.

Example

The suppression of his anger eventually led to a lot of stress.

Example

Psychologists distinguish between suppression, which is a conscious effort, and repression, which occurs at an unconscious level.

Teacher's tip

In psychology, emphasize that suppression is a deliberate choice, unlike repression which is automatic.
- restraint
- inhibition
- expression

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3 military fire (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Military

firing weapons at an enemy to stop them from moving or firing back.

tactical fire intended to degrade the performance of an enemy force below the level needed to fulfill its mission.

Example

The squad provided suppression so their teammates could move to safety.

Example

Effective suppression requires a high volume of accurate fire to ensure the enemy remains behind cover during the infantry advance.
- neutralization
- pinning down
4 medical/biological (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

the act of stopping a natural process in the body, like an allergy or a cough.

the inhibition of a physiological process or the activity of an organ or system.

Example

The medication resulted in the suppression of her immune system.

Example

The clinical trial focused on the long-term suppression of viral replication in patients who had not responded to traditional therapies.
- inhibition
- reduction
- stimulation

Origin

From Latin suppressiō.