oppress (əˈprɛs
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to subjugate by cruelty, force, etc
- to afflict or torment
- to lie heavy on (the mind, imagination, etc)
- an obsolete word for overwhelm
Alternative Forms
opˈpressingly adverb opˈpressor nounWord Origin
C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin oppressāre, from Latin opprimere, from ob- against + premere to pressSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
subjugate,
abuse,
suppress,
wrong,
master,
overcome,
crush,
overwhelm,
put down,
subdue,
overpower,
persecute,
rule over
enslave,
maltreat,
hold sway over
trample underfoot,
bring someone to heel
tyrannize over,
rule with an iron hand bring someone under the yoke
=
depress,
burden,
discourage,
torment,
daunt,
harass,
afflict,
sadden,
vex,
weigh down,
dishearten,
cast someone down
dispirit,
take the heart out of
deject,
lie or weigh heavy upon make someone despondent
Usage examples
Today she knowingly handed your country over to marauding communists who are going to oppress the very black people you used to champion!
, Seize the Reckless Wind (1985)Dictators know who they want to oppress - that is, anyone who opposes them.
Spiked (2004)It is a history that has taught us that it is wrong to discriminate and oppress people on the basis of their skin colour.
SA Star (2005)`We are strong believers, and the more they oppress us, the more we believe.
Times, Sunday Times (2004)She is `Mentally perfect' but `keen pangs oppress her lovely face '.
, PERDITA: The Life of Mary Robinson (2004)