About
The character 抑 is structured with the hand radical 扌 alongside the component 卬, which itself means to lift. This composition suggests a hand action opposing an upward motion, leading to its core meaning of pressing down or restraining. Etymologically, the character initially denoted physical suppression, but its semantic range expanded to include abstract senses of repression or curbing. In classical literary usage, it further evolved to function as a conjunction, taking on meanings such as "or" or "however" in certain contexts.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他抑制不住自己的情绪。
这种药可以抑制病毒。
她感到有些抑郁和孤独。
压抑的环境让人不舒服。
我们必须抑制消费的冲动。
抑郁症状需要及时治疗。
你去北京，抑或上海？
在压力下，他努力抑制着内心的焦虑，以免影响工作。