Definitions

oppress

[uh-pres] / əˈprɛs /

VERB

depress, subdue

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afflict annoy beat down harass maltreat overwhelm persecute pick on prey on subjugate suppress torment torture trample vex

STRONG

abuse aggrieve burden crush dishearten dispirit distress encumber force harry hound outrage overcome overload overpower overthrow plague press ride rule sadden saddle smother strain subdue tax trouble worry wrong

WEAK

despotize keep down put down put screws to put the squeeze on put upon tyrannize weigh heavy upon

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist comfort help make happy please soothe

STRONG

benefit calm compliment delight encourage give in inspirit leave alone let go praise release surrender yield

WEAK

boost gladden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"These rules lack humanity and rationality, and they oppress us every day."

From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026

And we should be aware that others who abuse the word by taking it from us intend to oppress us.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2025

But that doesn’t mean she’s motivated by a desire to oppress.

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2024

“But we certainly don’t want to oppress churches or a family member from getting out their family.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2024

It was during this Red Summer that black Americans, for the first time, mounted armed resistance against mobs of whites who were determined to oppress them and deny them their rights.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler

Vocabulary lists containing oppress

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

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List 7

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