1. tending to suppress or restrain something
2. serving to prevent or reduce the activity of something
Usage: medical; technical

Examples

• The government’s suppressive policies limited freedom of speech.
• She felt trapped in a suppressive work environment.
• The medication has suppressive effects on the immune system.
• Suppressive fire kept the enemy soldiers pinned down.
• The therapy aims to reduce suppressive thoughts and behaviors.
• Heavy rainfall had a suppressive effect on the wildfire.