What does "suppress" mean?
To put an end to, especially with force, to crush, do away with; to prohibit, subdue.
Suppress
/səˈpɹɛs/ verb
verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To put an end to, especially with force, to crush, do away with; to prohibit, subdue.
- Grammar: suppress is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: crush, oppress, abate, abating.
- Useful contrasts: appetising, appetizing, behavioral demo.
- Usage evidence: It will take a long time to suppress the revolt.
How to use "suppress"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "suppress" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "suppress" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "suppress" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "suppress" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "suppress" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "crush" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "suppress", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To put an end to, especially with force, to crush, do away with; to prohibit, subdue.
"Political dissent was brutally suppressed."
- 2 lessen to the point of stopping wordnet
- 3 To restrain or repress, such as laughter or an expression.
"I struggled to suppress my smile."
- 4 bring under control by force or authority wordnet
- 5 To exclude undesirable thoughts from one's mind.
"He unconsciously suppressed his memories of abuse."
Show 9 more definitions
- 6 put out of one's consciousness wordnet
- 7 To prevent publication.
"The government suppressed the findings of their research about the true state of the economy."
- 8 consciously restrain from showing; of emotions, desires, impulses, or behavior wordnet
- 9 To stop a flow or stream.
"The rescue team managed to suppress the flow of oil by blasting the drilling hole."
- 10 come down on or keep down by unjust use of one's authority wordnet
- 11 To forbid the use of evidence at trial because it is improper or was improperly obtained. US
- 12 To reduce unwanted frequencies in a signal.
- 13 To stop or prevent the enemy from executing unwanted activities like firing, regrouping, observation or others.
- 14 To hold in place, to keep low. obsolete
Antonyms
Example
"It will take a long time to suppress the revolt."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "suppress"?
Common synonyms include: crush, oppress, abate, abating, absorb the shock, allay.
How do you use "suppress" in a sentence?
It will take a long time to suppress the revolt.
How do you pronounce "suppress"?
Pronounced /səˈpɹɛs/.
Etymology
From Latin suppressus, perfect passive participle of supprimō (“press down or under”), from sub (“under”) + premō (“press”).