suppress
C1Formal, academic, journalistic, technical.
Definition
Meaning
To forcibly put an end to or prevent something from continuing, developing, or being expressed.
To consciously restrain or hold back an emotion, reaction, or bodily function; to prevent the dissemination of information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, often forceful, act of containment or control. Can refer to physical actions (suppressing a revolt), psychological states (suppressing feelings), or information control (suppressing evidence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference in British English for 'suppress' in formal/legal contexts regarding information; American English may use it more broadly in political/military discourse.
Connotations
Generally carries negative connotations of authoritarianism, censorship, or unhealthy psychological repression.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties. More common in written than spoken language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
suppress + noun (object)suppress + noun + from + -ingbe suppressed + by + agentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Suppress the details”
- “A suppressed smile”
- “Born under a suppressed regime”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board moved to suppress the damaging financial report before the merger.
Academic
The study examines how authoritarian regimes suppress historical narratives.
Everyday
I had to suppress a laugh during the serious meeting.
Technical
The medication helps to suppress the body's immune response.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government attempted to suppress the leaked documents.
- He managed to suppress his annoyance at the delay.
American English
- The court order suppressed the key evidence from the trial.
- She suppressed a groan when she saw the workload.
adjective
British English
- The suppressed document was finally released after 30 years.
- He spoke with suppressed anger.
American English
- She felt a wave of suppressed emotion.
- The report contained suppressed data critical to the findings.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher told him to suppress his laughter.
- They tried to suppress the news about the accident.
- The regime used the army to suppress the popular uprising.
- It's not healthy to suppress your emotions constantly.
- The prosecution was accused of suppressing exculpatory evidence.
- Advanced filters can suppress background noise in the recording.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRESS being pushed DOWN (SUP-press) to squash something flat, stopping it.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPRESSION IS HOLDING DOWN / SUPPRESSION IS PUTTING OUT A FIRE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'oppress' (угнетать). 'Suppress' is about stopping an action/information; 'oppress' is about prolonged cruel treatment. 'Repress' is closer but often more psychological.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'suppress' for 'oppress' (e.g., 'The government suppresses its people' – better: 'oppresses'). Overusing in informal contexts where 'hold back' or 'stop' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'suppress' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Suppress' is often a conscious, deliberate act to stop something external (a riot, a report) or internal (a feeling). 'Repress' is more often used in psychology for unconsciously pushing down memories or desires.
Rarely. It is usually neutral or negative. A possible positive use is in technical/medical contexts, e.g., 'The drug suppresses the virus,' which is beneficial.
Yes, it is more common in formal, academic, journalistic, and technical writing than in casual conversation, where 'stop', 'hold back', or 'cover up' might be used.
The main noun forms are 'suppression' (the act) and 'suppressor' (a person or thing that suppresses).