Suppress: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to forcefully putting an end to something such as a movement, feeling, or information.

• The government tried to suppress the protests
• He suppressed his laughter during the meeting

Use when talking about holding back or limiting someone or something physically or emotionally.

• He had to restrain the dog from running away
• She could barely restrain her excitement

Use when talking about having the power to influence or direct something or someone, often in a positive or neutral sense.

• She needs to control her temper
• He controls most aspects of the company

Use when referring to rejecting or voiding something, typically a legal decision or rumour, often with authority. It can have a formal or bureaucratic connotation.

• The court quashed the subpoena
• The principal quashed the rumors about the school closing

Use when referring to making someone or something stop making noise or stop expressing opinions, often with a connotation of censorship or suppression.

• The teacher silenced the students with a stern look
• The whistleblower was silenced by threats

Use this word when you want to talk about stopping something from growing, continuing, or coming out.

• The government tried to suppress the news about the scandal.
• She managed to suppress her laughter during the serious meeting.

Use this when you are indicating that someone is overcoming something, usually with some effort, or bringing something under control.

• The firefighters managed to subdue the flames after several hours.
• He had to subdue his anger when speaking with his boss.

This word is often used when you want to talk about destroying something completely, whether it's a physical object or someone's spirit.

• The army crushed the rebellion with overwhelming force.
• His hopes and dreams were crushed when he didn't get the job.

This word fits when you want to describe the act of putting an end to something, especially in a forceful way, like unrest or rebellion.

• The police worked hard to quell the riots in the city.
• She tried to quell her own fears before the performance.