Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the effect of suppressing, subduing, or preventing something: Describes actions, measures, or agents that actively work to hold back, stop, or eliminate an activity, process, feeling, or expression.
   • In medicine/psychology: Describing a treatment or substance that inhibits the development or symptoms of a disease or condition.

Usage

• The adjective "suppressive" is used to describe things that exert a controlling, inhibiting, or repressive force. It often carries a formal or technical tone and can be used in political, medical, military, and psychological contexts.
• It typically modifies nouns like , , , , , .

Examples

• The regime's suppressive tactics silenced all forms of dissent.
• The doctor prescribed a suppressive medication to prevent the herpes outbreaks.
• During the riot, police used suppressive fire to pin down the aggressors.
• Long-term suppressive therapy can manage chronic infections.

Advanced Usage

• "suppressive person" (SP): A term used in Scientology to describe an individual who is antagonistic to the group or its goals.
• "suppressive fire": A military tactic where continuous fire is directed at an area to prevent the enemy from moving or firing back.

Variants and Related Words

• Suppress (verb): To put an end to by force; to restrain or prevent the expression of a feeling, idea, or activity.
• Suppression (noun): The act of suppressing.
• Suppressant (noun): A substance or agent that suppresses a bodily process (e.g., ).
• Suppressible (adjective): Capable of being suppressed.

Synonyms

• Repressive: Restrictively controlling, especially of freedom.
• Inhibitory: Tending to inhibit or restrain a process.
• Restrictive: Imposing limitations or control.

Antonyms

• Permissive: Allowing freedom of behavior.
• Liberating: Tending to set free.
• Expressive: Effectively conveying thought or feeling.

Related Phrases/Idioms

Adjective

1. tending to suppress
   • the government used suppressive measures to control the protest