to keep within limits (e.g. spending); to restrain (e.g. emotions); to control; to curb; to hold in check
to hold back (e.g. an enemy); to check; to curb; to contain; to quell; to subdue; to suppress; to repress
怒りを抑えて、冷静に話しました。
I suppressed my anger and spoke calmly.
食費を抑えるために、自炊しています。
I cook at home to keep food expenses down.
彼女は涙を必死で抑えたが、声が震えていた。
She desperately held back her tears, but her voice was trembling.