Meaning
抑制 means to hold back, suppress, or control something that wants to emerge or grow. It commonly refers to restraining emotions, impulses, desires, or biological processes. The word carries a sense of active effort to prevent something from manifesting or developing.
Usage
This is a formal, relatively literary word often used in written contexts, medical or scientific discussions, and serious speech. It describes deliberate control rather than passive prevention. Common in phrases like 抑制不住 (cannot restrain) and frequently appears with objects like 情绪 (emotions), 欲望 (desires), or biological terms like 生长 (growth).
Examples
- 01她努力抑制住内心的激动。.She tried hard to suppress her inner excitement.
- 02这种药物可以抑制肿瘤的生长。.This medication can inhibit the growth of tumors.
Characters
Common collocations
- 抑制不住cannot restrain, unable to suppress
- 抑制情绪to suppress emotions
- 抑制欲望to restrain desires
- 抑制生长to inhibit growth
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters reinforce the meaning of control. 抑 originally showed a hand pressing down, while 制 depicts cutting or regulating. Together they emphasize active suppression.