Verb

unterdrücken

Translation

to suppress, to oppress, to repress

Er unterdrückte ein Gähnen.

He suppressed a yawn.

Das Regime unterdrückt das Volk.

The regime oppresses the people.

Sie musste ihre wahren Gefühle unterdrücken.

She had to suppress her true feelings.

((sth.)) to suppress (a feeling, reaction, etc.) He couldn't suppress his laughter.

((sb.)) to oppress (sb.) The dictatorship oppresses the opposition.

Synonyms: hemmen (to inhibit), zurückhalten (to hold back); Antonyms: fördern (to promote), befreien (to liberate)

From 'unter-' (under) + 'drücken' (to press). Literally 'to press under'.

Imagine physically pressing ('drücken') someone or something down 'under' ('unter') your control.