ichidan verb, transitive verb
keep within limits; restrain; control; curb
Used for controlling abstract things like spending, emotions, impulses, or growth. Often implies keeping something from exceeding a desired level.
感情を抑えて冷静に話した。
I restrained my emotions and spoke calmly.
The government raised interest rates to curb inflation.
ichidan verb, transitive verb
hold back; check; contain; suppress
Used for physically or forcefully stopping an enemy, crowd, riot, or threat. Also used for suppressing rebellion or unrest. Cross-referenced with 押さえる sense 6.
See also: 押さえる (おさえる)
警察はデモ隊を抑えるのに苦労した。
The police struggled to contain the demonstrators.
反乱を抑えるために軍隊が派遣された。
Troops were dispatched to suppress the rebellion.