to suppress
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to oppress
To use violence or power to prevent people or groups from being free and exercising their rights.
Das Regime versuchte, jede Form von Opposition zu unterdrücken.
The regime tried to oppress every form of opposition.
'Unterdrücken' (to suppress) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'drücken' (to press) in all tenses and sentence constructions.
Er unterdrückt seine wahren Gefühle.
He suppresses his true feelings.
The word consists of 'unter-' (under) and 'drücken' (to press). The meaning here is metaphorical: you 'press' something downward so that it does not become visible or cannot develop freely.
Es ist nicht gesund, seine Wut immer zu unterdrücken.
It is not healthy to always suppress your anger.
'Unterdrücken' (to suppress) is a transitive verb and always requires an accusative object. You always suppress 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Der Diktator unterdrückte sein Volk.
The dictator oppressed his people.
In a political context, 'unterdrücken' (to oppress) is often used with groups or movements. Typical combinations are: 'ein Volk unterdrücken' (to oppress a people), 'eine Minderheit unterdrücken' (to oppress a minority), or 'eine Revolution unterdrücken' (to suppress a revolution).
Die Besatzer unterdrückten die lokale Bevölkerung.
The occupiers oppressed the local population.
When it comes to feelings or impulses, the verb is used frequently. Typical expressions are: 'Gefühle unterdrücken' (to suppress feelings), 'Tränen unterdrücken' (to hold back tears), 'Wut unterdrücken' (to suppress anger), or 'ein Gähnen unterdrücken' (to suppress a yawn).
Während der Rede musste sie ihre Tränen unterdrücken.
During the speech, she had to hold back her tears.
You can recognize this meaning from the object of the sentence. When it is about information, typical objects are 'die Wahrheit' (the truth), 'Beweise' (evidence), 'Fakten' (facts), or 'ein Gerücht' (a rumor).
Die Firma versuchte, die Wahrheit über den Unfall zu unterdrücken.
The company tried to suppress the truth about the accident.
to prevent
'verhindern' and 'unterdrücken' can both mean that something does not happen or does not become visible. 'verhindern' is more general: you prevent an accident, a plan, or an action. 'unterdrücken' fits better when something is already there but is not allowed to come out, for example feelings, information, or a physical reaction. With people or groups, 'unterdrücken' also means to use power to make them unfree. The words can be confused because both express stopping something. 'verhindern' emphasizes something not happening; 'unterdrücken' emphasizes holding something back or controlling it.
Im Gespräch unterdrückt er seine Wut und bleibt ruhig.
During the conversation, he suppresses his anger and stays calm.
Die Ärztin verhindert mit der schnellen Behandlung eine schlimmere Entzündung.
With the quick treatment, the doctor prevents a more serious inflammation.