/ səˈpres; NAmE / verb [ vn ]
1.
(usually disapproving ) ( of a government, ruler, etc. ) to put an end, often by force, to a group or an activity that is believed to threaten authority
SYN quash :
The rebellion was brutally suppressed.
2.
(usually disapproving ) to prevent sth from being published or made known :
The police were accused of suppressing vital evidence.
3.
to prevent yourself from having or expressing a feeling or an emotion :
to suppress a smile
She was unable to suppress her anger.
4.
to prevent sth from growing, developing or continuing :
drugs that suppress the appetite
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin suppress- pressed down, from the verb supprimere , from sub- down + premere to press.