Definition

A substance that reduces or controls something, often used in medicine to lessen symptoms or effects.

Example

The doctor prescribed a suppressant to help manage her allergies.

Conversation

Have you ever tried that new suppressant for allergies?

I have! It really helped me with my sneezing.

That's good to hear; I need something to suppressant my symptoms during spring.

Definitely give it a shot — it made a big difference for me!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Suppressant → It is formed from "suppress" (from Latin "suppressus", meaning to press down) and the suffix "-ant" (meaning an agent or something that performs an action). The word "suppressant" refers to something that acts to press down or inhibit a process or function.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'presses down' ('suppress') on a function or action, and the '-ant' indicates it is an agent that performs this action.

Visually Confused Words