suppressed; suppressing; suppresses
1
: to put down by authority or force : subdue
suppress a riot
2
: to keep from public knowledge: such as
a
: to keep secret
b
: to stop or prohibit the publication or revelation of
suppress the test results
3
a
: to exclude from consciousness
b
: to keep from giving vent to : check
suppressed her anger
4
obsolete
: to press down
5
a
: to restrain from a usual course or action
suppress a cough
b
: to inhibit the growth or development of
6
: to inhibit the genetic expression of
suppress a mutation
Examples of suppress in a Sentence
Political dissent was brutally suppressed.
The governor tried to suppress the news.
He struggled to suppress his feelings of jealousy.
She could not suppress her anger.
I had to suppress an urge to tell him what I really thought.
Recent Examples on the Web
Elevated cortisol levels can suppress the production of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone that regulate the menstrual cycle.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
Even your immune system can become suppressed by too much sun.22
Are Tanning Beds Safe?
Tanning beds can be potentially worse than tanning from sun exposure.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 July 2024
Researchers suppressed the state-level data for 120 patients, who came to Connecticut from other states to protect patient privacy.
—Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 8 July 2024
Firefighters are aggressively suppressing the fire.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 7 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for suppress 
David Faris, Newsweek, 9 July 2024
Even your immune system can become suppressed by too much sun.22
Are Tanning Beds Safe?
Tanning beds can be potentially worse than tanning from sun exposure.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 9 July 2024
Researchers suppressed the state-level data for 120 patients, who came to Connecticut from other states to protect patient privacy.
—Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 8 July 2024
Firefighters are aggressively suppressing the fire.
—Bruce Haring, Deadline, 7 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for suppress
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suppress.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near suppress
Cite this Entry
“Suppress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suppress. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
suppress
verb
sup·press
sə-ˈpres 
1
: to put down by authority or force
suppress a rebellion
2
a
: to keep from being known
tried to suppress the news
b
: to stop the publication or distribution of
suppressed the test results
3
: to hold back : repress
suppress feelings of jealousy
suppressed a cough
4
: to slow or stop the growth or development of : stunt
Medical Definition
suppress
transitive verb
sup·press
sə-ˈpres
1
: to exclude from consciousness
suppressed anxiety
2
: to restrain from a usual course or action
suppress a cough
3
: inhibit sense 2
suppresses the human immune response—Josie Glausiusz
Josie Glausiusz
especially
: to inhibit the genetic expression of
suppress a mutation
Legal Definition
suppress
transitive verb
sup·press
sə-ˈpres
1
: to put down by authority or force
2
a
: to keep secret
b
: to stop or prohibit the publication or revelation of
3
a
: to exclude (illegally obtained evidence) from use at trial
suppress narcotics found in violation of the right against unreasonable search and seizure
b
: to fail to disclose (material evidence favorable to a defendant) in violation of due process
accused the prosecution of suppressing evidence
compare brady material
: to suppress evidence
suppressible
adjective
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