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Suppressor: meaning, definitions and examples

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suppressor

 

[səˈpresər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

firearms

A suppressor is a device attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the noise emitted when the gun is fired. Suppressors are also known as silencers and work by trapping the expanding gases from the fired round and allowing them to cool off before being released into the atmosphere.

Synonyms

moderator, muffler, silencer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suppressor

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.
silencer

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.
muffler

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.
moderator

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.

Examples of usage

  • Many shooters use suppressors to protect their hearing.
  • Using a suppressor can also reduce recoil and muzzle flash.
Context #2 | Noun

biology

In biology, a suppressor refers to a gene that suppresses the effect of another gene. This can result in the inhibition of a specific trait or phenotype.

Synonyms

blocker, inhibitor, repressor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suppressor

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

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.
repressor

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.
blocker

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.

Examples of usage

  • The suppressor gene helped to suppress the expression of the mutated gene.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'suppressor', meaning 'one who presses down' or 'holds back'.
  • In English, it became commonly used in the 18th century to describe devices that minimize noise.

Technology

  • In electronics, suppressors are devices that reduce electromagnetic interference to ensure clearer signals.
  • In firearms, suppressors significantly reduce the noise of gunshots, making them less detectable.

Medicine

  • Some medications are referred to as suppressors because they inhibit certain biological functions, like reducing inflammation.
  • Immunosuppressants are drugs that lower the body’s immune response, often used in organ transplant patients.

Psychology

  • Emotional suppression can refer to the act of consciously or unconsciously pushing down feelings, which can impact mental health.
  • Studies show that emotional suppressors may experience higher stress levels as they bottle up their emotions.

Literature

  • The concept of suppression often appears in literary works to highlight themes of censorship or the struggle against oppressive regimes.
  • In dystopian novels, characters may act as suppressors of opposing ideas, creating conflict and tension in the story.

Translations

Translations of the word "suppressor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 supressor

🇮🇳 दमनकर्ता

🇩🇪 Unterdrücker

🇮🇩 penekan

🇺🇦 пригнічувач

🇵🇱 tłumik

🇯🇵 抑圧者 (yokuatsu-sha)

🇫🇷 suppressor

🇪🇸 supresor

🇹🇷 bastırıcı

🇰🇷 억제기 (eokjeggi)

🇸🇦 قامع

🇨🇿 potlačovatel

🇸🇰 potlačovateľ

🇨🇳 抑制器 (yìzhì qì)

🇸🇮 supresor

🇮🇸 bælandi

🇰🇿 басуыш

🇬🇪 დამთრგუნველი

🇦🇿 basdırıcı

🇲🇽 supresor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,060, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.