Suppressed: meaning, definitions and examples

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suppressed

 

[ səˈprɛst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotion

To suppress something means to restrain or hold back an emotion, feeling, or reaction.

Synonyms

contain, control, restrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
restrain

This word is best when referring to physically holding back or keeping something or someone from action. It can also refer to restraining emotions or behavior.

  • The police had to restrain the aggressive man
  • She restrained herself from making a sarcastic comment
control

Use this when referring to the act of regulating or guiding something, such as behavior, machines, or situations.

  • The pilot had to control the aircraft during turbulence
  • The parents tried to control their children's screen time
contain

This word is suitable for managing or limiting something such as emotions, spills, or disasters.

  • He struggled to contain his excitement when he saw his favorite artist
  • The firefighters managed to contain the wildfire within hours

Examples of usage

  • He suppressed his anger and remained calm.
  • She suppressed her tears and put on a brave face.
Context #2 | Verb

information

To suppress something also means to prevent the dissemination or revelation of information.

Synonyms

censor, conceal, hide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suppressed

Used similarly to 'suppress' but often in a past tense, indicating that the act has already been carried out. It also can have a negative connotation when describing stopping or limiting something by force.

  • The news was suppressed to prevent public panic.
  • His true feelings were suppressed for years due to societal expectations.
censor

Typically used when referring to the official practice of examining and removing parts of books, films, or other media considered inappropriate or offensive. It carries a negative connotation concerning freedom of speech.

  • The film was censored to remove violent scenes before its release.
  • The article was heavily censored due to its political content.
conceal

Used to describe hiding something from view or keeping it secret. It implies that the information or object is deliberately kept unseen.

  • She tried to conceal her disappointment with a smile.
  • The detective found a concealed weapon under the bed.
hide

A broad term used to indicate keeping something out of view or not letting others find out about it. It’s more general and can be used in everyday contexts.

  • He hides the key under the doormat.
  • She hid her diary in a drawer.

Examples of usage

  • The government tried to suppress the news of the protest.
  • The company suppressed the negative results of the study.

Translations

Translations of the word "suppressed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 suprimido

🇮🇳 दबाया हुआ

🇩🇪 unterdrückt

🇮🇩 tertekan

🇺🇦 пригнічений

🇵🇱 stłumiony

🇯🇵 抑圧された

🇫🇷 réprimé

🇪🇸 suprimido

🇹🇷 bastırılmış

🇰🇷 억압된

🇸🇦 مقموع

🇨🇿 potlačený

🇸🇰 potlačený

🇨🇳 压抑的

🇸🇮 zatreti

🇮🇸 bældur

🇰🇿 басылған

🇬🇪 დაჩრდილული

🇦🇿 basdırılmış

🇲🇽 suprimido

Etymology

The word 'suppressed' originated from the Latin word 'suppressus,' which means 'held down' or 'restrained.' The concept of suppression has been observed in various aspects of human behavior and governance throughout history. Whether it's suppressing emotions or information, the act of restraint has played a significant role in shaping societal norms and individual interactions.

See also: suppress, suppressant, suppressing, suppression, suppressor.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,883, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.