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op·press
 oppress
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- pronunciation:
pres
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word Parts
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
oppresses, oppressing, oppressed |
| definition 1: |
to treat harshly, brutally, or unfairly.
They lived under a government that oppressed its people.The mine owners were clearly oppressing the workers.- synonyms:
- abuse, tyrannize
- similar words:
- brutalize, grind, maltreat, mistreat, persecute, prosecute, ride roughshod over, subjugate
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| definition 2: |
to cause (someone) to be burdened, harried, or depressed.
Her heavy responsibilities oppress her.The heat and humidity oppressed us that summer.- synonyms:
- overwhelm, weigh down
- similar words:
- bother, burden, deject, depress, discourage, dispirit, encumber, hamper, harass, harry, tax, trouble
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| related words: |
afflict, boss, bow, bully, crush, desolate, exploit, occupy, overweight, overwhelm, wrong |
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| derivation: |
oppressor (n.) |
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