suppress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "suppress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of preventing something from being seen, heard, or expressed. Example: "The government decided to suppress the information to avoid public panic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McAleese was well drilled for the meeting, because when she greeted the Queen she managed to suppress her natural impulse to pat her on the hand.

The Guardian

As many people know, an extramarital affair and Marr's mistaken belief that he had fathered another child, an episode he tried to suppress with super-injunctions, had placed his marriage under strain.

The Guardian

"These enzymes are really powerful virus inhibitors and it may be possible to suppress infection completely by unleashing them to a greater extent," he says.

The Guardian

I had to suppress my five-year-old tears and resign myself to old-fashioned hand power.

The Guardian - Tech

I am told not to suppress them, but not to chase after them either.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But it's hard to suppress a quickening of the pulse, particularly if, like me, you've lost close relatives to the disease.

The Guardian - Opinion

Celebrities are warned of the "Streisand effect" of trying to suppress unflattering information about them, and creating more publicity in the process.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was also quoted as saying: "No one is allowed to suppress or infringe the rights of any minority groups.

The Guardian

He did not apply to suppress his name and was bailed until 27 November.

The Guardian - Music

Small compensation for the election result, of course, but it is nice to be reminded that neither the Tories, nor the BBC's timorousness, are yet to suppress all pockets of bilious, bloody-minded resistance.

The Guardian

The radio station which aired the prank in December 2012 has used every legal avenue available to suppress the investigation but the high court ruled the report could finally be released.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "suppress" when you want to emphasize the act of preventing something from being expressed or made public, especially when there's an implication of authority or control.

Common error

Avoid using "suppress" when a simpler word like "hide" or "reduce" would suffice. Overusing "suppress" can make your writing sound overly dramatic or accusatory.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "suppress" is as a transitive verb. Ludwig indicates it is used to describe the act of inhibiting, restraining, or putting an end to something. Examples show its use in various contexts, from suppressing dissent to suppressing unwanted frequencies in a signal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "suppress" functions as a transitive verb and carries the meaning of inhibiting, restraining, or putting an end to something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its frequent use in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the connotations of authority and control associated with "suppress", and to choose more neutral alternatives when appropriate. Common errors involve overuse in contexts where simpler terms would suffice. Related phrases include "quash", "inhibit", and "curb", each offering slightly different nuances. Considering the authoritative sources where "suppress" frequently appears ensures effective and contextually appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quash

Implies forcefully rejecting or voiding something, often an idea or rebellion, adding a sense of finality.

inhibit

Focuses on hindering or slowing down a process or action, suggesting a degree of control.

curb

Suggests restraining or controlling something, often a negative impulse or behavior, indicating a lighter degree of force.

repress

Emphasizes holding back or subduing something, especially emotions or desires, implying internal control.

subdue

Implies bringing something under control through force or persuasion, often used in the context of conquering or managing.

stifle

Suggests preventing something from developing or being expressed freely, often referring to creativity or dissent.

control

Highlights the act of maintaining influence or power over something, indicating a broad ability to manage.

subjugate

Implies bringing someone or something under domination or control by conquest, highlighting dominance.

squelch

Suggests forcefully silencing or suppressing something, often a rumor or protest, implying immediate termination.

extinguish

Focuses on completely eliminating or putting an end to something, typically used in the context of fire or hope.

FAQs

How to use "suppress" in a sentence?

You can use "suppress" to indicate the act of preventing something from being seen, heard, or expressed. For example: "The government decided to "suppress" the information to avoid public panic".

What can I say instead of "suppress"?

You can use alternatives like "inhibit", "curb", or "repress" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "suppress the feeling" or "repress the feeling"?

Both "suppress the feeling" and "repress the feeling" are grammatically correct. However, "repress" often implies a more internal and psychological process, while "suppress" can refer to both internal and external actions to control or hide feelings.

What's the difference between "suppress" and "oppress"?

"Suppress" means to prevent something from developing or being expressed, while "oppress" means to treat someone cruelly and unfairly. "Oppress" implies unjust or authoritarian exercise of power, while "suppress" simply means to restrain or subdue.