Oppress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oppress

[əˈprɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

injustice

To oppress means to keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.

Synonyms

dominate, persecute, suppress, tyrannize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oppress	Used when describing the prolonged and unjust exercise of authority or power. The regime continued to oppress the minority population for years. Many activists fight against laws that oppress marginalized communities.
persecute	Used to talk about hostility and ill-treatment, especially because of race, political, or religious beliefs. Generally has a negative connotation. They were persecuted for their beliefs during the war. Many fled the country to escape religious persecution.
tyrannize	Used to describe cruel and oppressive rule, typically involving significant abuse of power. It carries a strong negative connotation. The dictator was known to tyrannize his subjects. The small town was tyrannized by a corrupt local official.
dominate	Used to indicate control or influence over someone or something, not necessarily negative and may refer to something being superior. The company continues to dominate the tech market. In the game, their team dominated the entire second half.
suppress	Used when talking about forcibly putting an end to something or preventing the development of something. The government tried to suppress the protests. They suppressed their laughter during the serious meeting.

Examples of usage

They were oppressed by the tyrannical regime.
The minority group was oppressed for decades.
The dictator used his power to oppress the citizens.
She felt oppressed by the constant surveillance.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

mental pressure

To oppress can also mean to weigh heavily on the mind, spirit, or senses; burden.

Synonyms

burden, plague, trouble, weigh down.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oppress	Used to describe a situation where someone is subjected to harsh and unfair treatment, often in a political or systemic sense. The government used fear to oppress the minority group. She felt oppressed by the constant surveillance.
burden	Used when someone is carrying a heavy load of responsibility or difficulty, both physically and emotionally. He felt burdened by the responsibility of looking after his sick parents. The financial debt was a heavy burden on their family.
trouble	Describes a situation that causes problems or worry, generally used for less severe issues. The old car is always giving me trouble. Don't trouble yourself over the small details.
weigh down	Implies something is physically or emotionally heavy, making it hard to move or feel free, often leading to feeling overwhelmed. The heavy backpack weighed him down during the hike. She felt weighed down by her endless list of tasks.
plague	This term often describes something causing continual trouble or distress, or an outbreak of disease. It can have a somewhat dramatic or negative connotation. The country was plagued by years of war and famine. She was plagued by constant anxiety.

Examples of usage

The guilt of his actions oppressed him.
The feeling of failure oppressed her.
The darkness of the room oppressed me.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

Throughout history, many groups, like the working class and ethnic minorities, have faced oppression, often leading to social movements for change.
Historical events such as slavery and colonialism illustrate extreme forms of oppression, where entire populations lost their freedoms and rights.

Psychology

Experiencing oppression can lead to feelings of helplessness and depression, impacting mental health over time.
Studies show that individuals who face constant oppression may develop a sense of learned helplessness, affecting their motivation and self-esteem.

Literature

Many novels, such as George Orwell's '1984', explore themes of oppression, showcasing how power can manipulate and control individuals.
Poets like Langston Hughes have captured the experiences of oppressed communities, giving voice to their struggles and resilience.

Modern Culture

Current discussions around social justice often focus on how systemic oppression affects marginalized groups in society.
Songs and movies increasingly portray narratives of resistance against oppression, inspiring people to stand up for their rights.

Origin of 'oppress'

Main points about word origin

Derived from the Latin word 'opprimere', meaning 'to crush', which combines 'ob' (against) and 'premere' (to press).
The word has been used in English since the 14th century, emphasizing its long history in describing harsh treatment.

The word 'oppress' originated from the Latin word 'oppressus', past participle of 'opprimere', which means to press against. The concept of oppression has been a part of human history, with instances of people being oppressed by those in power throughout different eras and societies.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,783, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18780 moraine
18781 scolded
18782 informer
18783 oppress
18784 tubule
18785 contestant
18786 fend
...