Suppression, which is a common response to stress, means:

Suppression refers to the conscious effort to keep thoughts or feelings from impacting one's behavior. When an individual chooses to suppress emotions, they are making a deliberate decision to not express what they are feeling at that moment. This can be a coping mechanism when faced with stress, allowing the person to maintain control over their actions and responses in a challenging situation. Instead of reacting impulsively or openly expressing emotions, the individual manages their feelings internally, which can sometimes lead to a more considered response to stressors.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define suppression. Denouncing one's feelings publicly, for example, suggests a more outward expression rather than the internal control implied by suppression. Expressing emotions liberally indicates an open display of feelings, which opposes the concept of suppression. Refusing to acknowledge stress may imply outright denial or avoidance, which is a different psychological response and does not involve the conscious control characteristic of suppression.