Suppressor: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in military and firearms contexts to reduce the noise and recoil of a gun.

• The special forces team used suppressors on their rifles during the covert operation.
• Modern suppressors help decrease the sound of gunshots significantly.

Mainly used in relation to firearms to describe an attachment that reduces the noise of a shot. It often carries a negative connotation due to its association with illegal or covert actions.

• The hitman screwed a silencer onto his pistol.
• In many countries, owning a silencer without proper authorization is illegal.

Typically used in automotive contexts to describe a device that reduces noise from the exhaust of a vehicle.

• The car's muffler needed to be replaced to reduce the loud exhaust noise.
• He installed a new muffler to comply with noise regulations.

Commonly used in discussions, forums, or debates to denote a person who facilitates and maintains order.

• The moderator ensured that each participant had a chance to speak.
• Online forums often have moderators to enforce the rules.

Repeated instance, please refer to the first 'suppressor' entry.

Primarily used in scientific contexts, especially in chemistry and biology, to describe a substance that slows down or prevents a chemical reaction or biological process.

• An enzyme inhibitor can slow down a specific biochemical reaction.
• The new drug acts as an inhibitor to viral replication.

Mainly used in genetics and molecular biology to refer to a regulatory protein that binds to specific sites on DNA and inhibits gene expression.

• The repressor protein binds to the operator, preventing the gene from being expressed.
• Mutations in the repressor can lead to uncontrolled gene activity.

Used in various fields such as pharmacology, sports, and everyday language to describe something that stops or obstructs a process or action.

• Beta-blockers are used to manage high blood pressure.
• The defensive blocker prevented the opposing team from scoring a goal.