Latin · suffix
-io
act or process
Words sharing this root
abductionThe unlawful taking away of a person.ablationThe removal or destruction of material from a surface or body.ablutionWashing oneself or part of the body, especially as a religious ritual.abrasionThe scraping or wearing away of a surface through friction.absolutionFormal forgiveness or release from guilt or blame.abstractionA representation that sets aside concrete detail to focus on form or essential features.abstractionA state of being lost in thought and unaware of one's surroundings.acquisitionThe obtaining of something previously unpossessed.actionPurposeful or eventful activity.actionA case brought before a court.actionThe way a mechanism moves or responds when used.addictionDependence on a substance or activity that is difficult to stop.additionThe joining of something to an existing amount or whole.adhesionThe process or state of sticking firmly to something.admissionPermission or acceptance to enter a place or institution.admissionA statement accepting that something is true.admonitionA firm warning or advice meant to correct someone's behavior.adoptionThe act of taking someone or something as one's own.affectationUnnatural behavior, speech, or style adopted to impress others.affectionWarm feelings of care or attachment toward someone or something.afflictionPainful suffering or hardship.aggressionHostile or forceful behavior toward another person or state.agitationStirring into unsettled motion or activity.alienationA state of disconnection from others or oneself.allusionAn indirect reference to someone or something.alternationRepeated switching between states, forms, or alternatives.ambitionA strong desire directed toward achievement.appropriationThe setting apart of something for a particular use.ascensionThe act of rising to a higher place or position.aspersionThe sprinkling of water as part of a religious ceremony.aspersionA remark or suggestion that damages someone's reputation.assertionA firm declaration that a claim or right is valid.assumptionThe act of taking something on or into one's possession.assumptionA belief accepted as true without proof.AssumptionThe Christian feast celebrating Mary's being taken into heaven.attentionDirected awareness of someone or something.attractionA pull drawing things toward one another.attributionThe identification of a source responsible for something.auctionA sale to the highest bidder, or selling in this way.aversionA strong dislike of or reluctance toward something.benedictionAn expression of blessing or good wishes.calculationThe working out of a result through systematic reasoning.captionBrief text describing or explaining an image or video.cautionCare exercised to prevent harm or error.celebrationAn observance honoring a significant occasion.circumspectionCareful attention to risks and consequences before acting.coercionThe use of force, threats, or pressure to make someone act.cognitionThe mental process of acquiring and understanding knowledge.cohesionThe quality of parts holding together as a whole.collationThe arrangement of items in a set order.collationThe comparison of texts or records to check for differences.collectionThe gathering of separate things together.collisionAn impact caused by two things occupying the same space.collusionSecret cooperation for a dishonest or illegal purpose.combustionBurning through a chemical reaction, usually with oxygencommissionFormal authorization to undertake specified work.commissionThe carrying out of an act, especially a crime.commotionA noisy disturbance with confused or excited activity.communicationThe exchange of information or meaning.communionA shared spiritual connection or fellowship.communionA Christian sacrament involving consecrated bread and wine.compassionConcern for someone who is suffering and a desire to help.competitionRivalry among parties pursuing the same goal.complexionThe outward appearance of facial skin.compositionThe combining of elements into a unified work.compressionReduction of the space or range something occupies.compulsionA force experienced as leaving no freedom to refuse an action.compunctionA feeling of guilt or hesitation about doing something wrong.conceptionThe beginning of pregnancy through fertilization.conceptionThe forming or shaping of an idea or understanding.concessionSomething granted in response to a request or negotiation.conclusionThe final point reached in a process.concoctionSomething prepared by combining ingredients.concussionA violent jolt or impact.condescensionTreating others as beneath oneself.conditionThe state of fitness in which something exists.conductionThe transfer of energy through matter.confectionAn elaborately prepared sweet food.confessionAn admission of wrongdoing or a private truth.confessionalConcerned with revealing private matters or admitting wrongdoing.confusionA lack of clear order or distinction.congestionExcessive accumulation that impedes normal flow.conjunctionThe joining or coming together of separate things.connectionA link through which things or people interact.conscriptionCompulsory enrollment in military service.consecrationThe solemn act of dedicating someone or something to a sacred purpose.constitutionThe fundamental organization and makeup of something.constrictionA tightening or narrowing that restricts space or passage.constructionThe building of an organized whole from parts.consumptionThe taking in or using up of a resource.contagionThe passing of an infection between organisms.contentionThe pressing of a position against opposition.contortionA severely twisted bodily position or movement.contractionA shortening or reduction in extent.contradictionA conflict between things that cannot both be true.contraventionAn act that breaks a law, rule, or agreement.contributionA part supplied toward a larger effort or result.contritionDeep remorse for wrongdoing.contusionA bruise caused by injury without breaking the skin.convectionTransfer of heat through the movement of a liquid or gas.conventionA formal gathering of people with shared interests or purposes.conventionalFollowing established standard practices.conventionalBased on a formal agreement or treaty.conversionA change into a different form or status.conversionUnlawful control over another person's personal property.convictionA formal finding that someone is guilty of a crime.convictionA firmly held belief or strong certainty that something is true.convulsionA sudden uncontrolled violent movement.correctionAn adjustment that remedies an error or excess.corrosionThe gradual wearing away or weakening of a material, especially metal, through chemical action.corruptionDeterioration of integrity or sound condition.creationThe bringing of something into existence.crucifixionExecution by fastening someone to a cross.deceptionThe act or means of making someone believe something false.decimationDestructive reduction of a population or quantity.decisionA judgment or choice that settles a question or determines what to do.decorationAn addition intended to adorn or distinguish something.deductionReasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion.defectionThe act of abandoning allegiance to a country, group, or cause.definitionThe clear establishment of boundaries or distinguishing features.deflectionA displacement from a previous direction or position.deletionThe removal or absence of part of something.delusionA false belief about reality, often held despite evidence against it.dentitionThe formation and arrangement of teeth.depictionA portrayal of someone or something in words, images, or performance.depletionThe reduction or using up of a supply or resource.depositionThe placing or settling of something in a location.depositionSworn testimony taken outside court for later legal use.depositionThe removal of a ruler or official from power.depressionA sustained lowering of mood or activity.depressionA lowering below the surrounding level.derelictionSerious neglect of an obligation or responsibility.derisionMockery that shows contempt.descriptionA spoken or written account of what something is like.descriptionA type or category of person or thing.desertionThe act of abandoning someone or something.desiccationThe process or state of drying out thoroughly.destitutionExtreme poverty in which basic necessities are lacking.destructionThe act or result of ruining something completely.detectionThe act or process of discovering or noticing something.detentionThe compulsory keeping of someone in a place.devotionDeep and sustained commitment to someone or something.dictationThe act of telling others what they must do.dictationThe speaking of words for someone to write down.dictionThe manner in which words are chosen and expressed.diffractionThe bending and spreading of waves around obstacles or through openings.diffusionThe spreading of something through an area, substance, or population.digestionThe breakdown of food into material the body can absorb.digressionA temporary departure from the main subject or course.dimensionAn independent direction along which extent is measured.diminutionA decrease in size, amount, or importance.directionThe course along which something is guided.discretionCare in speaking or acting to avoid revealing private matters or causing embarrassmentdiscretionFreedom to decide or act using one's own judgmentdiscussionAn examination of a topic through expressed ideas.dispersionThe spreading of components over a wider range.dispositionA person's usual way of feeling and behaving.disruptionA break in established operation or practice.dissectionThe examination of something by separating its parts.dissensionDisagreement within a group.dissolutionThe breaking up of a joined whole.distentionSwelling or expansion caused by pressure from within.distinctionA distinguishing quality that sets something apart.distortionAn alteration that departs from an original form.distractionLoss of focus or something that causes it.distributionThe spreading of something among positions or recipients.diversionA turn away from an original course or focus.divisionSeparation into distinct parts or groups.educationThe process of developing knowledge and skills through instruction or experience.effusionAn escape or outpouring of fluid.ejectionThe act of forcing or releasing someone or something out of a place or position.elationA feeling of great happiness and excitement.emissionThe release of something from a source, or what is released.emulsionA mixture in which tiny droplets of one liquid are dispersed in another.erosionGradual wearing away of material.eruptionA sudden bursting out from within.evasionThe act of avoiding something one does not want to face.evictionThe legal removal of a tenant or occupant from property.evolutionChange and development over successive stages.exactionA harshly imposed demand or what it requires.exceptionA case that does not follow the usual rule or pattern.exclusionThe act or state of keeping someone or something out.excommunicationFormal exclusion from membership or participation in a church community.excursionA short journey away from one's usual location.executionThe carrying out of an action or instruction.exemptionPermission not to meet an obligation that normally applies.exhibitionA display presented for others to see.expansionGrowth beyond an earlier size or extent.explosionA sudden, forceful burst of energy.expositionAn explanation that presents the information needed to understand something.expressionA form that conveys a thought, feeling, or meaning.expressionThe production of a gene product or manifestation of a genetic trait.expulsionThe act of forcing someone or something out.extensionAn addition that takes something beyond its previous limits.extensionA movement that straightens a bent joint.extinctionThe complete end of something's existence.extortionObtaining money or another benefit through threats or force.extractionThe process of removing or obtaining something from a source.fabricationThe construction of something from prepared components.factionA group within a larger organization whose views differ from those of other members.fictionAn account created through imagination rather than established fact.fissionThe splitting of a whole into two or more separate parts.fluctuationAn irregular rise and fall in level or amount.fractionA portion expressed in relation to a larger whole.functionThe particular task something is designed to perform.functionAn organized social event.functionA relation assigning exactly one output to each input.fusionThe joining of separate parts into a single whole.hallucinationA perception that seems real but has no external source.hesitationA pause or reluctance to act because of uncertainty.humiliationA painful loss of dignity or self-respect through shame or embarrassment.ignitionThe initiation of burning.illusionAn appearance or impression that makes something seem real or true when it is not.immersionComplete submersion within a liquid.imperfectionA flaw or the state of not being perfect.impressionA mark left by contact with a surface.incursionAn entry into a place or area of activity, often without permission.indigestionDiscomfort caused by difficulty digesting food.inductionReasoning from specific observations to a general conclusion.inductionFormal admission or orientation into a new role, group, or institution.infarctionDeath of tissue caused by interrupted blood supply.infectionThe establishment and spread of harmful microorganisms within a host.inflectionA change in a word's form to express grammatical information.inflictionThe act of causing harm or forcing something unwanted on someone.infusionAn extraction of flavor or other substances by steeping ingredients in liquid.ingestionThe taking of material into the body by swallowing.inhibitionA restraint that slows or prevents an activity.injectionThe introduction of fluid into the body with a needle.injunctionAn authoritative order requiring or forbidding an action.inquisitionA harsh or prolonged questioning or investigation.inquisitionA historical system of church courts that prosecuted heresy.inscriptionWords written or carved on an object, often as a dedication or record.insertionThe act of putting something into something else, or the thing put in.inspectionA careful examination of something to check its condition or quality.institutionAn established body with an enduring place in society.instructionGuidance telling someone how to act or perform a task.insurrectionA violent uprising against a government or established authority.intentionA purpose or aim behind a planned action.interceptionThe act of stopping or capturing something before it reaches its destination.intercessionPleading on someone else's behalf, especially in prayer.interdictionAn official order forbidding an activity.interdictionThe interception of people or goods to prevent their movement.intermissionA temporary break during or between activities or events.interruptionAn act or period of stopping something that is ongoing.intersectionThe shared place where separate things meet.interventionAction taken to change a situation by becoming involved in it.introductionThe act of bringing something into a new setting for initial engagement.introspectionExamination of one's own thoughts and feelings.intrusionEntry that pushes into an existing space from outside.intuitionAn immediate understanding or belief reached without conscious reasoning.invasionHostile entry into another's territory.inventionThe creation of an original thing through imagination.inversionA reversal of the usual order, position, or relationship of something.junctionA point where separate things join or meet.lactationThe production and release of milk by mammary glands.lesionA damaged or abnormal area of body tissue.liquefactionThe process of becoming liquid or beginning to behave like a liquid.liquidationThe sale of assets for cash, often to settle debts.locationA place where something is or happens.locomotionMovement from one place to another.lotionA liquid or cream applied to the skin for care or treatment.mansionA very large, impressive, usually expensive house.mediationThe action of an intervening agent connecting separate sides.missionAn organized undertaking directed toward a defined purpose.modulationA controlled variation in a signal's properties.motionThe act or process of moving.motionA formal request or proposal for a decision or action.narrationThe spoken or written telling of a story or description of events.nationAn independent country with its own government.nationA community of people united by shared history, culture, or identity.nominationThe act or status of being formally proposed for a position or award.objectionA statement or reason expressing opposition to something.obligationSomething a person is required or committed to do.obsessionAn intense, persistent preoccupation with someone or something.obstructionSomething that blocks or hinders movement or progress, or the act of doing so.occlusionThe blocking or closing of a passage, opening, or view.omissionThe act of leaving something out or something left out.operationAn organized undertaking directed toward a particular goal.operationThe process of working or being active.operationA rule-based calculation applied to mathematical quantities.operationA medical procedure involving surgical treatment of the body.opinionA belief or considered judgment about something.oppositionResistance to someone or something.oppositionAn alignment in which two celestial bodies appear on opposite sides of the sky.oppressionCruel or unjust exercise of power over people.optionAn available choice or course of action.partitionThe division of a whole into separate parts.passionThe suffering and death of Jesus.passionA powerful, deeply felt emotion.penetrationThe act or extent of entering into or passing through something.pensionRegular retirement payments provided by an employer or government.perceptionAwareness gained through the senses.percussionExamination of underlying body tissue by tapping the surface.percussionIgnition of a firearm or explosive by a blow.percussionInstrumental sound produced by striking, shaking, or scraping.perditionComplete ruin, especially spiritual damnation.perfectionCompletion of the formal requirements that protect a legal right against third-party claims.perfectionThe state of being completely without faults.perfusionThe passage of blood or other fluid through tissue.permissionApproval to do or access something.perpetuationThe act of causing something to continue indefinitely.persecutionSystematic mistreatment because of identity, beliefs, or group membership.persuasionA particular belief or set of beliefs.persuasionThe act of convincing someone to believe or do something.perversionA distortion from an intended or accepted form or purpose.petitionA formal request to an authority, or the act of making one.positionThe location or arrangement of someone or something relative to its surroundings.positionA job or assigned role in an organization.possessionThe condition of having something under one's ownership or control.potionA liquid believed to have magical or medicinal power.precognitionSupposed knowledge of events before they happen.predationThe capture and killing of prey for food.predictionA statement about what will happen or the act of making one.predilectionA strong liking or preference for something.prescriptionAn authorized written direction for medical treatment.presumptionBehavior showing arrogant boldness or unjustified confidence.presumptionAn assumption accepted as true without direct proof.preventionThe act or process of stopping something from happening.processionAn ordered line moving forward one after another.procreationThe production of offspring through reproduction.productionThe organized process of making something.professionAn open declaration of belief or commitment.professionAn occupation requiring specialized knowledge or training.profusionA very large amount of something.progressionAn ordered succession of stages or elements.prohibitionAn authoritative ban on an activity.promotionAdvancement in position or development.propulsionThe action or system of driving something forward.prostrationThe act or condition of lying face down in submission.protectionAction taken to keep harm from occurring.protectionistFavoring trade policies that shield domestic industries from foreign competition.protractionThe act of making something last longer.putrefactionThe decay of organic matter that produces a foul smell.questionAn inquiry seeking an answer or clarification.radiationEnergy spreading outward as waves or particles.reactionaryFavoring a return to earlier political or social conditions.rebellionOpen resistance to authority or control.receptionThe act of receiving someone or something.recessionA movement backward or withdrawal from an earlier position.recognitionAcknowledgment of someone's or something's identity or standing.recollectionThe bringing of a past experience back to mind.recreationActivity done for enjoyment or refreshment.reductionA decrease in amount or extent.reflectionThe return of waves from a surface.refractionThe bending of a wave when it enters another medium.regressionA statistical method for modeling relationships between variables.regressionA return to an earlier, worse, or less developed state.regurgitationThe return of swallowed material toward the mouth.rejectionThe refusal to accept something offered or introduced.relationA connection linking people or things.relationThe act of telling what happened.remissionA reduction or disappearance of the signs of an illness.repetitionThe act or instance of doing or saying something again.repletionThe state of being completely or excessively full.repressionThe suppression of activity or expression.repulsionA force that drives something away.requisitionAn official request for something needed, or the act of making one.rescissionThe formal cancellation of a contract, policy, or law.resectionSurgical removal of part or all of an organ or tissue.restitutionThe act of restoring what someone has lost or been wrongfully deprived of.restrictionA limit on what can be done or allowed.retentionThe continued holding of something rather than releasing it.retractionThe act of drawing something back.retributionPunishment given in return for wrongdoing.retrogressionA return to an earlier or worse state.reversionA return to an earlier condition or holder.revisionThe process or result of changing something to improve or update it.revolutionA fundamental overthrow of an established order.revolutionOne complete turn around an axis, point, or body.rotationMovement around an axis through a cycle.saturationThe degree to which available capacity is filled.scansionAnalysis of the meter and rhythmic pattern of verse.secessionFormal withdrawal from a political union or organization.seclusionThe state of being apart from other people.secretionThe release of material by a biological cell or gland.sectionA distinct division of a larger whole, or dividing something into such parts.sedationThe use or effect of medication to produce calm or reduced consciousness.seductionThe enticing of someone into an action.selectionThe deliberate choosing of available options.sessionA continuous period devoted to an activity.simulationAn imitation of something real, or the act of creating it.situationA position in relation to its surroundings.solutionAn answer or way to resolve a problem or meet a need.solutionA mixture in which a substance is evenly dissolved in another.subjectionThe state of being under another's control or domination.submersionThe act of putting something, or the state of being, completely under water or another covering substance.submissionYielding to another's power.submissionSomething sent or presented for judgment, approval, or consideration.subscriptionA commitment to contribute money to a cause or organization.subscriptionAn arrangement to receive something regularly or access a service, usually for a fee.substitutionThe act or process of replacing one thing or person with another.subtractionThe mathematical operation of taking one quantity away from another.subversionThe undermining or overthrowing of an established system, authority, or belief.successionThe ordered following of one thing by another.suctionA pulling force created by reduced pressure, or the use of this force.suggestionAn idea presented for consideration.suggestionA faint sign or trace of something.supervisionThe act of overseeing people or activities.suppositionA belief or idea accepted as possible without certain proof.suppressionThe act or effect of stopping or holding something back.suspensionA temporary stopping or withholding of something.suspicionA very small amount of something.suspicionA feeling that something may be true or wrong without firm proof.tensionA state of strain produced by pulling forces.torsionTwisting out of an untwisted alignment.torsionThe property of an algebraic element having finite order.tractionGrip enabling movement against a surface.traditionA custom or belief passed down through generations.transactionAn exchange or deal between people or systems.transcriptionThe rendering of existing information into another notation.transfusionThe delivery of blood into a recipient's circulation.transgressionAn act that breaks a rule or crosses a moral boundary.transitionA passage from one state to another.translationThe expression of meaning in a different language or representation.transmissionThe passing of something from one point to another.transpositionThe act of moving or rearranging something into a different position, order, or form.tuitionInstruction given by a teacher, especially privately.tuitionMoney charged for teaching at a school or college.urinationThe act of releasing urine from the body.vegetationPlants growing collectively in an area.vegetationAn abnormal growth on body tissue, especially a heart valve.versionA particular form or presentation of something.visionThe ability to see, or an image perceived by sight or imagination.