1.
restraint; holding down; control; check
The act or means of keeping something under control — an emotion, a rise in prices, or one's authority over others.
2.
closer; relief pitcher who finishes the game (baseball)
The relief pitcher brought in to protect a lead and record the final outs, typically in the last inning.
The noun form of 抑える (to hold down, to restrain). The baseball 'closer' sense pictures the pitcher who holds the opponent down at the end of the game.
Common collocations
- 抑えが利く: to have control or authority (over people)
- 抑えがきかない: to be unable to keep something in check
- 抑えの投手: closing pitcher