# suppressor

/səˈpɹɛsɝ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suppressor
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a device that is attached to a gun to make the sound of the shot much quieter. It is also used to describe a chemical that stops a reaction or a person who stops a feeling.

For teachers: a device designed to reduce the noise of a firearm's discharge; also refers to a substance that inhibits a chemical reaction or a person who suppresses a feeling or emotion.

## Examples

- The soldier wore a suppressor to avoid making noise.
- The lab technician added a chemical suppressor to the mixture to prevent the reaction from becoming too violent.
- While the suppressor effectively dampened the acoustic signature of the weapon, the heat generated by the device still posed a significant risk to the shooter's hand.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.