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suppress

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /səˈprɛs/

KK: /səˈprɛs/

transitive verb
Definition

To stop something from happening or being expressed, often by force or control.


Example

The government tried to suppress the protests by increasing police presence.


Tense Forms

Past: suppressed

Past Participle: suppressed


Conversation
Sloth A
I was trying to focus on my work, but my thoughts keep wandering.
Sloth B
Yeah, it can be hard to suppress distractions sometimes.
Sloth A
Exactly! I feel like I need to learn how to manage them better.
Sloth B
Maybe some mindfulness techniques could help you suppress those wandering thoughts.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stifle
quash
subdue
Antonyms
express
reveal
encourage
Root Explanation

Suppress → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under) and "premere" (meaning to press). The word describes the act of pressing down or holding something back.

Memory Tip

Think of pressing something 'under' — 'sub-' means under, and 'premere' means to press. This helps you remember that to suppress means to hold something back.

Visually Confused Words
resuppress
subpress
presuppress
usurpress
usuress
unsuppressed
subappressed
oppress
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