Which of the following describes the act of preventing something from being revealed or essentially punished?

The act of preventing something from being revealed or essentially punished is accurately described by the term "suppress." Suppression involves intentionally holding back information, feelings, or actions to maintain control, concealment, or to ensure that something does not come to light. This can apply in various contexts, such as legal situations, psychological processes, or even in social interactions where individuals might suppress the truth for various reasons.

The other terms have different meanings: "thwart" refers to preventing someone from accomplishing something, while "transgress" means to violate a command or law. "Superimpose" typically means to place one thing over another, often in a way that allows both to be seen simultaneously. Thus, "suppress" is the most fitting choice for the description provided in the question.