Reading Theme:
Suppression Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：holding back (suppression)
suppression
/səˈpreʃən/
n.
When you stop yourself from showing a feeling or having a natural reaction.
holding back
➕
/ˈhoʊldɪŋ bæk/
n.
The conscious or subconscious act of preventing feelings, thoughts, or physical reactions from being expressed.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'supprimere' (sub- 'down' + premere 'to press'), meaning 'to press down'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: SUPPress a PRESS conference. You're pressing down (supp-) on information from the press.
📖 Example
During the sad funeral, the effort of suppression made her face look very tense.
In the solemn atmosphere of the funeral, her struggle to hold back her emotions resulted in a visibly tense facial expression.
🔗 Collocations
suppression of feelings – the act of consciously holding back one's emotions
emotional suppression – the process of inhibiting emotional expression
suppress a tear – to hold back from crying
🔄 Synonyms
restraint (n.) – The act of holding back or controlling one's impulses or actions.
repression (n.) – The psychological process of excluding distressing thoughts from conscious awareness (often subconscious).
containment (n.) – The action of keeping something under control and within limits.
🚫 Antonyms
expression (n.) – The process of making known one's thoughts or feelings.
release (n.) – The action of setting free from restraint or confinement, especially of emotions.
🌱 Derivatives
suppress (v.) – To forcibly put an end to or restrain something.
suppressive (adj.) – Tending or serving to suppress something.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin, the term evolved from a physical act of pressing down to its abstract meanings. Historically linked to censorship (e.g., suppressing publications) and psychology (suppressing thoughts). It's a key concept in discussions about free speech and mental health.
Meaning 2：quelling (suppression)
suppression
/səˈpreʃən/
n.
The act of using force or authority to stop an activity or information from happening or spreading.
quelling
➕
/ˈkwɛlɪŋ/
n.
The action of ending an activity, idea, or flow of information by force, authority, or other coercive means.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The government faced criticism for its suppression of the independent news report about the environmental issue.
The governing body received negative feedback for its action of quelling the spread of a journalist's independent findings on the pollution problem.
🔗 Collocations
suppression of information – the act of preventing facts or news from becoming known
violent suppression – the use of physical force to put down a protest or rebellion
suppress a revolt – to use force to end an uprising
🔄 Synonyms
subjugation (n.) – The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control.
crackdown (n.) – A series of severe measures to restrict undesirable or illegal activity.
censorship (n.) – The suppression or prohibition of speech, writing, or other forms of communication.
🚫 Antonyms
promotion (n.) – The activity of supporting or actively encouraging something.
dissemination (n.) – The act of spreading information or ideas widely.
Wordbook
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