opp
ress
Third Person
oppresses
Present Participle
oppressing
Past Tense
oppressed
Past Participle
oppressed
1
to unfairly control or harm someone through unjust use of power or authority
transitive
- The authoritarian regime oppressed its citizens by restricting their freedoms and brutally suppressing dissent.
- The dictator oppressed the population, denying them basic rights and freedoms.
- Throughout history, marginalized groups have been oppressed by those in positions of power.
- The tyrannical ruler oppressed his subjects, ruling with an iron fist and silencing any form of dissent.
- The wealthy elite oppressed the workers, exploiting their labor and paying them unfairly low wages.
2
to cause someone to feel heavy emotional or mental strain, distress, or anxiety
transitive
- The constant criticism from her peers oppressed her, leaving her feeling worthless.
- His harsh words oppressed her spirit, making it hard for her to stay motivated.
- The looming deadline oppressed his mind, making it hard to focus on anything else.
- The constant worries about the future oppressed her, stealing her ability to enjoy the present.
- The isolation she experienced during the pandemic oppressed her mental health.
Synonyms: