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

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

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2024

This is the hard truth: There is no such thing as pure blood, and no cultural group or human being has the right to oppress another.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2024

His recent homilies, based on Jesus’ teachings about love of God and neighbor as well as the importance of acting out one’s values, have denounced “dictators who say they love God but oppress the people.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2023

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

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

List 7

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!