suppression

/sə'preʃn/

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Explanation of the Word "Suppression"

Definition: "Suppression" is a noun that describes the act of stopping something from happening or controlling it. It can refer to both thoughts and actions, and it can have different meanings depending on the context.

Basic Meaning:

1. Psychological Context: In psychology, "suppression" means intentionally trying to forget or ignore thoughts or feelings that are too painful or unacceptable. For example, if someone feels very sad but decides not to think about it, they are suppressing their feelings.

2. General Context: It can also mean stopping something forcefully, like controlling a rebellion or stopping someone from expressing their opinion.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "suppression" when talking about stopping thoughts, feelings, actions, or expressions. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting that something important is being held back.

Examples:

1. Psychological Example: "She practiced suppression of her anxiety during the exam to focus better."
2. General Example: "The government faced criticism for the suppression of free speech."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "suppression" can refer to: - Political Context: The suppression of dissent refers to stopping people from expressing different opinions. - Medical Context: The suppression of a bodily function, such as the failure to develop a part of the body.

Word Variants:

• Suppress (verb): To actively stop something from happening.
  • Example: "He tried to suppress his laughter during the serious meeting."
• Suppressive (adjective): Related to suppression.
  • Example: "The suppressive measures taken by the authorities led to protests."

Different Meanings:

• Censorship: Suppression can refer to restricting information, such as books or articles that are not allowed to be published.
• Repression: A similar term that often refers to subconscious holding back of unwanted thoughts or feelings.

Synonyms:

• Control
• Restraint
• Quelling
• Stifling
• Repression

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "suppression," you might encounter phrases like: - "Bite your tongue": To suppress your thoughts or feelings, especially when you want to say something. - "Hold back": To restrain or suppress your emotions or actions.

Summary:

"Suppression" is a versatile term used in psychology, politics, and general contexts to describe the act of controlling or stopping something from happening.

Academic

Noun

1. (psychology) the conscious exclusion of unacceptable thoughts or desires
2. forceful prevention; putting down by power or authority
   • the suppression of heresy
   • the quelling of the rebellion
   • the stifling of all dissent
3. the act of withholding or withdrawing some book or writing from publication or circulation
   • a suppression of the newspaper
4. the failure to develop some part or organ

Synonyms

• inhibition
• crushing
• quelling
• stifling
• curtailment