Vocabulary in context
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Suppress
To forcibly stop an activity or to prevent something from being seen, heard, or known.
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Imagine This
A press company was closed down by the communist government; but its CEO moved the company into his personal submarine, where no one would be able to end his activity.
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Sounds Like
sub-press
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Looks Like
sup-press (sub- + press); the word contains 'press' with a prefix
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Remember This
Suppress = sub- + press: press under or hold back. The root 'press' helps relate to compress, depress, express.
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Other Forms
suppressionnoun
suppressornoun
suppressiveadjective
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Connect With
restrain, quash, quell, repress, stifle, curb
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Note
Do not confuse with 'repress' (to repress again or to keep emotions hidden). Suppress often implies stopping something from continuing or from being expressed.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The government moved to suppress the rebellion by force.
- She tried to suppress a giggle during the solemn ceremony.
Synonyms
stiflequashquellrepressrestrain
Antonyms
encouragepermitallow
Etymology
From Latin sub- 'under' + premere 'to press'; via Old French/Latin routes to English.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: sub-press — press under; remember that suppress means to push down or hold back.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Quell
verbTo suppress, extinguish, or quiet something such as a disturbance, fear, or unrest, often by use of force, authority, or calming influence.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
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