Suppressing
/səˈprɛsɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo forcibly put an end to; to prevent the expression, action, or free activity of (something).
/səˈprɛsɪŋ/
To forcibly put an end to.
The police were accused of suppressing the protest.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to keep a balloon from popping. Suppressing is like using your hands to keep the balloon from inflating, stopping it from doing what it's meant to do.
👶 For kids: To stop something from happening or being shown.
More Examples
She tried to suppress her laughter during the serious meeting.
The medication helps to suppress the production of stomach acid.
The dictator's regime was known for suppressing freedom of speech.
How It's Used
"The government is accused of suppressing dissent."
"The medication helps suppress the immune system."
To conceal or withhold (something); to prevent the disclosure of information or facts.
/səˈprɛsɪŋ/
To conceal or withhold (information).
The government was accused of suppressing information about the incident.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're hiding a secret from your friends. Suppressing information is like keeping that secret, making sure nobody finds out about it.
👶 For kids: To hide something secret.
More Examples
The lawyer attempted to suppress the damaging evidence.
She suppressed her memories of the traumatic event.
The authorities tried to suppress the spread of the news.
How It's Used
"The lawyer attempted to suppress evidence that could damage his client's case."
"The newspaper was accused of suppressing information about the scandal."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle French *suppresser* or directly from Latin *supprimere* 'to press down, to stop'.
Historically used to describe military actions against rebellions or the enforcement of laws. Also seen in contexts of controlling emotions or thoughts.
Memory tip
Think of *pressure* and *stopping*. Suppressing is about applying pressure to stop something.
Word Origin
"to press down, to stop"