抑える|おさえるosaeru[3]nakadaka (mid-high)

1. ichidan verb, transitive verbto keep within limits (e.g. spending); to restrain (e.g. emotions); to control; to curb; to hold in check
   ジェーンは声こえを出だして泣なくのを抑おさえることができなかった。↗

   Jane could not stop herself from crying aloud.
2. ichidan verb, transitive verbto hold back (e.g. an enemy); to check; to curb; to contain; to quell; to subdue; to suppress; to repress

• Synonym押さえるおさえるNeutralFor pressing something down by hand or grasping key points and securing a place; 「抑える」 leans toward restraining abstractions like emotions, spending, momentum.
• Synonym制御せいぎょWrittenWritten term for controlling machines or emotions and desires, often technical; 「抑える」 is a native word for everyday control of spending and feelings.
• Synonym抑制よくせいWrittenWritten word of Chinese origin for restraint and curbing, as in 「インフレ抑制」; close in meaning to 「抑える」, common in policy and medical contexts.
• SynonymセーブNeutralLoanword for saving energy or cutting spending, also for saving data; common in speech, while 「抑える」 is more versatile.
• Synonym制するせいするWrittenWritten word for checking or controlling, also for getting the better of, as in 「試合を制する」; 「抑える」 is the everyday choice.
• SynonymコントロールNeutralLoanword for control and adjustment, also a pitcher's command; 「抑える」 stresses keeping something down or in check.
• Synonym抑止よくしWrittenWritten word for deterring an act from occurring, as in 「核抑止力」; 「抑える」 has much broader uses.
• Synonym押さえつけるおさえつけるNeutralPresses down hard so something cannot move, or forcibly suppresses opposition and feelings; tougher than 「抑える」.
• Synonym制すせいすWrittenA written variant of 「制する」, as in 「試合を制す」 for winning a match; not always replaceable with 「抑える」.
• Related我慢がまんNeutralEnduring and holding yourself back, as in 「我慢する」; 「抑える」 can also mean controlling other people or things, not just oneself.
• Related阻止そしWrittenWritten word for preventing something from happening, as in 「侵入を阻止する」; 「抑える」 is about keeping levels or degrees down.
• Related阻むはばむWrittenWritten word for blocking someone's way or hindering, as in 「行く手を阻む」; 「抑える」 stresses keeping things within bounds.
• Related阻害そがいWrittenWritten word for hindering development, with a negative nuance, as in 「成長を阻害する」; 「抑える」 can be deliberate control.
• Related食い止めるくいとめるNeutralFor stopping something bad from spreading further, as in 「被害を食い止める」; 「抑える」 also covers emotions and costs.
• Related限るかぎるNeutralFor restricting or setting a scope, as in 「人数を限る」; 「抑える」 means pressing a quantity down below a certain level.
• Related限定げんていNeutralFor limiting numbers or scope, as in 「限定商品」; 「抑える」 leans toward keeping something down or curbing it.
• Related制約せいやくWrittenWritten word for conditions and constraints, as in 「時間の制約」; 「抑える」 is the act of actively keeping something down.
• Related取り押さえるとりおさえるNeutralFor overpowering and seizing a suspect when making an arrest; 「抑える」 is for controlling quantities and emotions.
• Related押しとどめるおしとどめるWrittenWritten word for stopping someone from leaving or acting; 「抑える」 can also mean lowering amounts or restraining feelings.
• Related噛み殺すかみころすNeutralFor stifling a yawn or laugh so it does not show; its objects are narrow, while 「抑える」 applies to a wide range.
• Related立ちふさがるたちふさがるNeutralIntransitive verb for standing in someone's way; 「抑える」 is transitive and means controlling or restraining.
• Antonym放つはなつNeutralAntonym: to release, let loose or fire off, the opposite of holding and controlling with 「抑える」.
• Antonym解放するNeutralAntonym: to set free or release from restraint, the opposite of the suppression expressed by 「抑える」.
• Antonym促進するWrittenAntonym: written word for promoting or accelerating, the opposite of the restraint expressed by 「抑える」.

Default to 「抑える」 for curbing spending, emotions or momentum. Use 「押さえる」 for holding things down by hand, 「押さえつける」 for forceful suppression, 「我慢」 for enduring yourself, 「食い止める」 for stopping something bad from spreading, and 「抑制」 in written or policy contexts. 「制御」 covers machine control, 「セーブ」 and 「コントロール」 are loanwords, 「制する」「制す」 are written words for controlling or winning, 「阻止」「阻む」「阻害」「抑止」 are formal words for blocking or deterring, 「限る」「限定」「制約」 are for limits, and 「放つ」「解放する」「促進する」 are antonyms.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 動作どうさなどを何なんらかの手段しゅだんを用もちいて食い止くいとめる。
2. ある範囲はんいを超こえないようにする。