What does “oppress” mean?
- 1
verbto treat a group of people unfairly and cruelly, limiting their freedom
The regime oppressed religious minorities for decades.
- 2
verbto make someone feel worried, sad or uncomfortable
The heat and silence oppressed him.
Oppress at a glance
- Part of speech
- verb
- CEFR level
- C2 (proficient)
- Pronunciation
- /əˈprɛs/ · uh-PRESS
How to use “oppress” correctly
Don’t confuse with “suppress” (stop something, like a protest or a feeling). “Oppressive” weather is hot and heavy.
Common phrases with “oppress”
- the oppressed
- oppressive regime
- oppressive heat
Synonyms, opposites and related words
Synonyms (similar meaning)
- persecute
- repress
- burden
Word family
- oppression
- oppressive
- oppressor
- oppressed
“oppress” is on these word lists
Learn these words next
- accede verbC2to agree to a request or demand, often after first refusing
- appease verbC2to calm someone by giving them what they want
- arbitrate verbC2to officially judge a disagreement between two sides as a neutral person
- besiege verbC2to surround a place with an army to force it to surrender
- capitulate verbC2to stop resisting and accept the demands of an opponent
- cede verbC2to give up land, power or rights to someone else, usually unwillingly
- consecrate verbC2to officially make a place or object holy in a religious ceremony
- depose verbC2to remove a ruler or leader from power, often by force