What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crackdown
Example
The government launched a crackdown on illegal immigration. [crackdown: noun]
Example
The police cracked down on the protesters, using tear gas and batons. [cracked down: past tense verb]
suppression
Example
The government imposed strict media suppression to prevent the spread of fake news. [suppression: noun]
Example
The regime used brutal tactics to suppress any opposition to their rule. [suppressed: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crackdown is more commonly used than suppression in everyday language, especially in news and media contexts. Crackdown is often used to describe actions taken by authorities to enforce laws or regulations, while suppression is more commonly used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crackdown and suppression?
Both crackdown and suppression can be used in formal and informal contexts, but suppression may be more commonly used in academic or technical writing due to its broader and more nuanced meaning.