抑制する

• Reading: よくせいする
• Romaji: yokusei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 抑 (yoku) — press down, suppress; 制 (sei) — control, regulate
• Pronunciation: /jo.kɯ.seː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To control; to restrain; to suppress. To hold back or keep something in check.

A する verb meaning to actively restrain, suppress, or curb something — whether emotions, growth, spending, or physical responses. More deliberate and forceful than 控える (to refrain). Used broadly: 感情を抑制する (to suppress emotions), インフレを抑制する (to curb inflation), 欲望を抑制する (to restrain desires). Common in medical, economic, and psychological contexts.

Examples

1. 政府は物価の上昇を抑制しようとしている。 The government is trying to keep prices from rising.
2. 感情を抑制するのは体に良くないと言われる。 They say suppressing your emotions is bad for your health.
3. この薬はアレルギー反応を抑制する効果がある。 This medication is effective at suppressing allergic reactions.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, medicine, psychology, policy

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 抑 (yoku, to press down/suppress) + 制 (sei, to control/regulate). Together: 'to press down and control' — to actively restrain or hold back.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated