Memory suppression is a research area within the field of cognitive psychology that examines the mechanisms and processes by which individuals intentionally inhibit or suppress the retrieval of specific memories. This can occur in various contexts, such as traumatic experiences, unwanted thoughts, or intrusive memories. Researchers study the cognitive processes involved in memory suppression, including how individuals strategically block unwanted memories from entering consciousness or actively suppress them once they have been retrieved. Understanding memory suppression is important for understanding how individuals cope with distressing or unwanted memories, as well as the role of inhibitory control in memory processes.