oppress
UK: əˈpres | US: əˈpres
vt. to keep someone in hardship or suffering, especially by unjust authority
vt. to mentally or emotionally burden someone
vt. (archaic) to physically crush or weigh down
oppress = op<against> + press<to squeeze>
- op (from Latin ob-, meaning "against" or "toward")
- press (from Latin pressare, meaning "to squeeze" or "to bear down")
Etymology Origin:
The word oppress originates from Latin opprimere (ob- + premere), combining "against" and "to press." It initially described physical crushing (e.g., by a weight) and later evolved to signify systemic or psychological suppression, reflecting the metaphorical "weight" of unjust authority.
The dictator used the military to oppress dissent.
She felt oppressed by the constant demands of her job.
The new laws were designed to oppress minority communities.
Heavy guilt oppressed his mind for years.
In medieval times, feudal lords often oppressed peasants.