Oppressor: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who treats people in a cruel or unfair way, often through the use of power or authority. This term carries a strong negative connotation.

• The people rose up against their oppressor, demanding justice and equality

Refers to a cruel and oppressive ruler who exercises power in a harsh or abusive way. This term also has a strong negative connotation.

• His reign as a tyrant left a legacy of suffering and poverty

Describes a ruler who holds absolute power, often ruling in a harsh and oppressive manner. This term also has a negative connotation.

• The despot's oppressive policies caused widespread fear among the population

Refers to a ruler who has absolute power and makes decisions without consulting others. It tends to be used in socio-political contexts.

• The country was ruled by an autocrat who did not tolerate dissent

Defines a ruler who has total power over a country, especially one who has obtained control by force and governs without democratic processes. It is commonly used in historical and political discussions and has a negative context.

• The dictator banned free speech and imprisoned his political opponents

Someone who treats people in a cruel or unfair way, often using power unjustly.

• Historical accounts often depict the king as an oppressor who heavily taxed and mistreated his subjects

A ruler or someone with great authority over others, often with a connotation of dominance and control but without the inherently cruel implications of 'oppressor'.

• In the medieval period, each manor had its own overlord who had authority over the local peasants

A person who gains control or victories over others, usually in battle or conflict.

• Alexander the Great is remembered as a formidable conqueror who expanded his empire across three continents

To assert one's will over others in an arrogant way, typically used in a negative context to describe controlling behavior.

• Her boss tends to domineer over the team, making decisions without consulting anyone

Someone who brings others under domination or control, often by conquest or force, emphasizing the act of subduing.

• The dictator acted as a subjugator, using his military to suppress any form of opposition