Meaning & use
oppress
To keep a person or group under harsh, unjust control through force or authority.
See it in a sentence
The regime oppressed anyone who dared to criticize its policies publicly.
Colonial powers oppressed local populations by seizing land and restricting their rights.
A note on using this word
Oppress typically describes a sustained, systemic abuse of power over a group, not a single unfair act.
Words with a similar meaning
subjugatepersecutetyrannize
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
liberateempower
Make it your own
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