Definition of suppress

The word "suppress" originated in the Middle English language during the 14th century. It is formed from the Latin prefix "sub-" meaning "under" and the Latin verb "premere" meaning "to press." In Latin, "subpressio" referred to the act of pressing down or keeping something down. This meaning is still evident in the modern usage of "suppression," which describes the act of stopping, restraining, or preventing something from being expressed, seen, heard, or implemented. Originally, "suppress" was primarily used in legal and religious contexts, where it referred to the act of preventing or stopping something, such as the suppression of heresy, rebellion, or criminal activity. The concept of "supressing" something in order to control or maintain order was also applied to ideas, beliefs, and knowledge, particularly in religious contexts where certain scriptures or texts were suppressed as being heretical or dangerous. As the English language evolved, the meaning of "suppress" expanded to include more secular applications, such as the suppression of consumer products, diseases, or political activities seen as undesirable or dangerous to the public. In modern usage, "suppress" is a common word found in many areas of discourse, from scientific and medical research to legal and political debates. It refers to the act of preventing, controlling, or limiting the expression or implementation of something, and is frequently used in the context of social, political, or scientific debate as a way of controlling or limiting the spread of undesirable or dangerous information, products, or activities.