Oppressed: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is treated unfairly or harshly by an authority or power, often over a long period of time.

• The minority community felt oppressed under the authoritarian regime.
• The workers were oppressed by the exploitative practices of their employer.

Describes being harassed or treated badly, especially because of one's race, religion, or political beliefs. Often involves systematic and continuous actions.

• Throughout history, many people have been persecuted for their beliefs.
• The refugees fled their homeland to escape being persecuted.

Carries a more extreme and negative sense of being cruelly and oppressively ruled, often associated with a tyrant or dictator.

• The citizens were tyrannized by the ruthless dictator.
• For years, the nation was tyrannized under a brutal regime.

Implies being brought under control or domination, often through force or conquest.

• The invading forces subjugated the local population.
• The tribe was subjugated by a more powerful neighbor.

Used when talking about people suffering from unjust treatment or control, often in a socio-political context.

• The minority group felt oppressed by the current government
• The citizens were oppressed by the dictator's harsh policies

Used when one group or person defeats and brings another under control, often in a historical or military context.

• The invaders subjugated the local population through force
• The kingdom was subjugated by the conquering empire

Used when one group or person has power over another, often in a more general sense that may not imply cruelty or injustice.

• The team dominated the competition with their superior skills
• In the relationship, one partner tends to dominate the decision-making

Used when people are prevented from expressing feelings, desires, or thoughts, often by an internal or psychological force, but can also refer to social suppression.

• He repressed his anger during the meeting
• The government repressed any form of dissent from the public